U.S. patent application number 12/519708 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-11 for electronic appartus and control method therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to SONY CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Kenji Hachisu, Hidetoshi Kabasawa, Takashi Masuda, Kazuyuki Yamamoto.
Application Number | 20100033424 12/519708 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40228581 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100033424 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kabasawa; Hidetoshi ; et
al. |
February 11, 2010 |
ELECTRONIC APPARTUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR
Abstract
An electronic apparatus and a control method are provided that
are capable of reducing power consumption. The electronic apparatus
having a normal mode in which first electric power is consumed and
a power-saving mode in which second electric power lower than the
first electric power is consumed includes a first sensor and a
second sensor whose power consumption is lower than that of the
first sensor. In the power-saving mode, supply of power to the
first sensor is restricted, the second sensor is set to the
power-saving mode, a trigger for restoring the power-saving mode to
the normal mode is detected by using the second sensor set to the
power-saving mode, and the power-saving mode is restored to the
normal mode based on the detected trigger.
Inventors: |
Kabasawa; Hidetoshi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Hachisu; Kenji; (Tokyo, JP) ; Yamamoto;
Kazuyuki; (Tokyo, JP) ; Masuda; Takashi;
(Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
K&L Gates LLP
P. O. BOX 1135
CHICAGO
IL
60690
US
|
Assignee: |
SONY CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
40228581 |
Appl. No.: |
12/519708 |
Filed: |
July 7, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
July 7, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2008/062293 |
371 Date: |
June 17, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/156 ;
345/212; 345/213; 713/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0383 20130101;
H04Q 9/00 20130101; Y02D 70/164 20180101; G01C 17/28 20130101; G06F
3/038 20130101; G08C 2201/10 20130101; H04W 52/0254 20130101; G06F
3/0346 20130101; H04M 2250/10 20130101; Y02D 30/70 20200801; H04M
2250/12 20130101; G06F 1/3296 20130101; H04Q 2209/883 20130101;
H04W 52/028 20130101; G06F 1/3203 20130101; G06F 1/3259
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/156 ;
713/320; 345/213; 345/212 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/038 20060101
G06F003/038; G06F 1/32 20060101 G06F001/32; G09G 5/00 20060101
G09G005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 9, 2007 |
JP |
2007-180205 |
Claims
1-25. (canceled)
26. An electronic apparatus including a normal mode in which first
electric power is consumed and a power-saving mode in which second
electric power lower than the first electric power is consumed, the
electronic apparatus comprising: a first sensor; a second sensor
whose power consumption is lower than that of the first sensor;
means for restricting, in the power-saving mode, supply of power to
the first sensor and setting the second sensor to the power-saving
mode; means for detecting a trigger for causing the power-saving
mode to be restored to the normal mode by using the second sensor
set to the power-saving mode; and means for causing the
power-saving mode to be restored to the normal mode based on the
detected trigger.
27. The electronic apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the
electronic apparatus is a pointing device for 3-dimensional
operations or a remote controller for 3-dimensional operations,
wherein the first sensor is a gyro sensor, and wherein the second
sensor is an acceleration sensor.
28. The electronic apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the
electronic apparatus is a cellular phone or a portable terminal
apparatus, wherein the first sensor is a geomagnetic orientation
sensor, and wherein the second sensor is an acceleration
sensor.
29. An electronic apparatus equipped with a plurality of sensors
each including a power-saving condition, the electronic apparatus
comprising: means for performing control so that, in a power-saving
mode of the electronic apparatus, a sensor whose power consumption
in the power-saving condition is low out of the plurality of
sensors is set to the power-saving condition, and supply of power
to the remaining sensors is restricted; means for detecting a
trigger for causing the power-saving mode to be restored to a
normal mode by using the sensor set to the power-saving condition
in the power-saving mode of the electronic apparatus; and means for
causing the electronic apparatus to be restored from the
power-saving mode to the normal mode based on the detected
trigger.
30. The electronic apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the
electronic apparatus is a pointing device for 3-dimensional
operations or a remote controller for 3-dimensional operations
which is equipped with at least an acceleration sensor, and wherein
the sensor set to the power-saving condition in the power-saving
mode is the acceleration sensor.
31. A method of controlling an electronic apparatus equipped with a
plurality of sensors each including a power-saving condition, the
method comprising: performing control so that, in a power-saving
mode of the electronic apparatus, a sensor whose power consumption
in the power-saving condition is low out of the plurality of
sensors is set to the power-saving condition, and supply of power
to the remaining sensors is restricted; detecting a trigger for
causing the power-saving mode to be restored to a normal mode by
using the sensor set to the power-saving condition in the
power-saving mode; and causing the electronic apparatus to be
restored from the power-saving mode to the normal mode based on the
detected trigger.
32. An electronic apparatus including a normal mode in which first
electric power is consumed and a power-saving mode in which second
electric power lower than the first electric power is consumed,
comprising: a first sensor including a first power-saving
condition; a second sensor including a second power-saving
condition where power consumption is lower than that of the first
sensor in the first power-saving condition; means for restricting,
in the power-saving mode, supply of power to the first sensor and
setting the second sensor to the second power-saving condition;
means for detecting a trigger for causing the power-saving mode to
be restored to the normal mode by using the second sensor set to
the second power-saving condition; and means for causing the
power-saving mode to be restored to the normal mode based on the
detected trigger.
33. An electronic apparatus, comprising: a casing; a detection
section that includes a first sensor and a second sensor whose
power consumption is lower than that of the first sensor, and
detects a movement of the casing by using the first sensor and the
second sensor; a power supply section to supply power to the first
sensor and the second sensor; and a control means including a
normal mode in which the power is supplied to the first sensor and
the second sensor, a first power-saving mode in which the supply of
the power to the first sensor is cut off and the power is supplied
to the second sensor, and a second power-saving mode in which the
supply of the power to the first sensor and the second sensor is
cut off, for making transitions from the normal mode to the first
power-saving mode and the second power-saving mode based on an
output of the detection section.
34. The electronic apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the
control means further includes a third power-saving mode in which
the supply of the power from the power supply section to the
control means is cut off.
35. The electronic apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the
control means makes a transition from the normal mode to the first
power-saving mode when judging, based on the output of the
detection section, that the casing has not been operated over a
first time period.
36. The electronic apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the
control means makes a transition from the first power-saving mode
to the second power-saving mode when judging, based on the output
of the detection section, that the casing has not been operated
over a second time period longer than the first time period.
37. The electronic apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the
control means makes a transition from the normal mode to the first
power-saving mode when judging, based on the output of the
detection section, that the casing has not been operated over a
first time period, makes a transition from the first power-saving
mode to the second power-saving mode when judging that the casing
has not been operated over a second time period longer than the
first time period, and makes a transition from the second
power-saving mode to the third power-saving mode when judging that
the casing has not been operated over a third time period longer
than the second time period.
38. The electronic apparatus according to claim 33, further
comprising a restoration means including a first restoration mode
for causing, based on an output of the second sensor, the control
means to be restored from the first power-saving mode to the normal
mode.
39. The electronic apparatus according to claim 33, wherein, in the
first-power-saving mode, the second sensor is in a power-saving
condition.
40. The electronic apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the
control means includes a microprocessor unit (MPU), and wherein, in
the second power-saving mode, the microprocessor unit is in a
power-saving condition.
41. The electronic apparatus according to claim 38, further
comprising a first input operation section to which an input
operation is made by a user, wherein the restoration means further
includes a second restoration mode for causing, based on the input
operation to the first input operation section, the control means
to be restored from the second power-saving mode to the normal
mode.
42. The electronic apparatus according to claim 34, further
comprising: a second input operation section cable of being
operated by a user; and a restoration means including a third
restoration mode for causing, based on an input operation to the
second input operation section, the control means to be restored
from the third power-saving mode to the normal mode.
43. The electronic apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the
electronic apparatus is a pointing device for 3-dimensional
operations or a remote controller for 3-dimensional operations,
wherein the first sensor is a gyro sensor, and wherein the second
sensor is an acceleration sensor.
44. The electronic apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the
electronic apparatus is a cellular phone or a portable terminal
apparatus, wherein the first sensor is a geomagnetic orientation
sensor, and wherein the second sensor is an acceleration
sensor.
45. A method of controlling an electronic apparatus including a
first sensor and a second sensor whose power consumption is lower
than that of the first sensor, the method comprising: causing, when
the electronic apparatus has not been operated over a first time
period, the electronic apparatus to make a transition from a normal
mode in which power is supplied to the first sensor and the second
sensor to a first power-saving mode in which the supply of the
power to the first sensor is cut off; causing, when the electronic
apparatus has not been operated over a second time period longer
than the first time period, the electronic apparatus to make a
transition to a second power-saving mode in which the supply of the
power to the first sensor and the second sensor is cut off; and
restoring, when an input operation to the electronic apparatus is
detected while the second power-saving mode is being executed, the
electronic apparatus from the second power-saving mode to a normal
mode in which the power is supplied to the first sensor and the
second sensor.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a National Stage of International
Application No. PCT/JP2008/062293 filed on Jul. 7, 2008 and which
claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-180205
filed on Jul. 9, 2007, the entire contents of which are being
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an electronic apparatus
such as a pointing device for 3-dimensional operations, a remote
controller for 3-dimensional operations, and a cellular phone, and
a control method therefor.
[0003] In the related art, pointing devices, particularly a mouse
and a touchpad, are used as controllers for GUIs (Graphical User
Interfaces) widely and mainly used in PCs (Personal Computers).
[0004] Not just as HIs (Human Interfaces) of PCs of the related
art, the GUIs are now starting to be used as interfaces for AV
equipment used in living rooms with televisions as image media.
Examples of the HI of this type include a cross media bar, an EPG,
an IP-TV, a windows Media Center, and the like.
[0005] As the HIs currently in wide use, there are remote
controllers with arrow keys as extensions of remote controllers for
AV equipment of the related art, for controlling the GUIs, but the
operability thereof is poor since it is impossible to operate a
cursor freely.
[0006] To solve this, a wireless mouse or the like may be used, but
a table or the like to place the mouse becomes necessary for
operating the mouse.
[0007] Patent Document 1 discloses "a 3-dimensional computer input
apparatus performing 3-dimensional inputs to a computer,
characterized by comprising: a direction sensing means for sensing
changes in directions in space along three rotation axes (pitch,
roll, and yaw); a displacement sensing means for sensing
displacements along axes of at least two-dimensional coordinate
systems out of an XYZ coordinate system set in a main body of the
3-dimensional computer input apparatus; and an electronic circuit
connected to an input port of the computer, to convert output
signals of the direction sensing means and the displacement sensing
means so that the signals can be processed by the computer, and in
that the direction sensing means is constituted of three gyroscopes
corresponding to the three rotation axes (pitch, roll, and yaw),
respectively, and the displacement sensing means is constituted of
at least two acceleration sensors each corresponding to any of the
XYZ axes". Accordingly, unlike the mouse, the table or the like
becomes unnecessary, and operations in the air become possible.
[0008] In the past, a 3-dimensional mouse capable of being operated
in the air has calculated a movement amount of a cursor on a PC
(Personal Computer) screen from a complex movement of a hand that
moves 3-dimensionally. Therefore, the 3-dimensional mouse needs to
be equipped with sensors such as an acceleration sensor and an
angular velocity sensor for detecting the hand movement (Patent
Document 1).
[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei
6-7371 (claim 1 and claim 2)
[0010] However, because the 3-dimensional mouse as described in
Patent Document 1 is equipped with many devices that consume more
electric power than a desktop wireless mouse, it is difficult to
suppress power consumption of the entire mouse and also prolong the
battery life. An infrared sensor of the desktop wireless mouse only
needs to detect values when the mouse is moving, but the
acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor of the
3-dimensional mouse needs to constantly detect values. Moreover, a
relatively large current flows into those sensors, and hence more
delicate power consumption control than the desktop wireless mouse
becomes necessary.
[0011] Pointing devices that are operated in the air as described
above are expected to be used wirelessly from now on as a
mainstream.
[0012] However, since the number of sensors becomes large in the
pointing device that is operated in the air as described in Patent
Document 1, electric power consumed increases when trying to use it
wirelessly.
[0013] In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, it is desired
an electronic apparatus and a control method therefor that are
capable of reducing power consumption.
SUMMARY
[0014] According to an embodiment, there is provided an electronic
apparatus including a normal mode in which first electric power is
consumed and a power-saving mode in which second electric power
lower than the first electric power is consumed, including: a first
sensor; a second sensor whose power consumption is lower than that
of the first sensor; means for restricting, in the power-saving
mode, supply of power to the first sensor and setting the second
sensor to the power-saving mode; means for detecting a trigger for
causing the power-saving mode to be restored to the normal mode by
using the second sensor set to the power-saving mode; and means for
causing the power-saving mode to be restored to the normal mode
based on the detected trigger.
[0015] In the electronic apparatus, in the power-saving mode, the
supply of power to the first sensor is restricted, the second
sensor is set to the power-saving mode, and the trigger for causing
the power-saving mode to be restored to the normal mode is detected
by using the second sensor set to the power-saving mode, whereby it
becomes possible to reduce power consumption.
[0016] It is one preferred form that the electronic apparatus is a
pointing device for 3-dimensional operations or a remote controller
for 3-dimensional operations, the first sensor is a gyro sensor,
and the second sensor is an acceleration sensor.
[0017] In the pointing device for 3-dimensional operations or the
remote controller for 3-dimensional operations, a plurality of
sensors such as the gyro sensor and the acceleration sensor are
used, so the power consumption inevitably becomes higher. Here, the
acceleration sensor is a passive type sensor and the gyro sensor is
a sensor including a mechanically-vibrated vibrator. Therefore, the
power consumption of the gyro sensor is higher than the power
consumption of the acceleration sensor. The same holds true also
when those sensors are operated in the power-saving mode. Hence, in
the power-saving mode, the supply of power to the gyro sensor is
restricted, the acceleration sensor is set to the power-saving
mode, and the trigger for causing the power-saving mode to be
restored to the normal mode is detected by using the acceleration
sensor set to the power-saving mode, whereby it becomes possible to
reduce the power consumption.
[0018] It is one preferred form that the electronic apparatus is a
cellular phone or a portable terminal apparatus, the first sensor
is a geomagnetic orientation sensor, and the second sensor is an
acceleration sensor.
[0019] Similar to the above description, in the power-saving mode,
the supply of power to the geomagnetic orientation sensor is
restricted, the acceleration sensor is set to the power-saving
mode, and the trigger for causing the power-saving mode to be
restored to the normal mode is detected by using the acceleration
sensor set to the power-saving mode, whereby it becomes possible to
reduce power consumption.
[0020] According to another embodiment, there is provided an
electronic apparatus equipped with a plurality of sensors each
including a power-saving condition, including: means for performing
control so that, in a power-saving mode of the electronic
apparatus, a sensor whose power consumption in the power-saving
condition is low out of the plurality of sensors is set to the
power-saving condition, and supply of power to the remaining
sensors is restricted; means for detecting a trigger for causing
the power-saving mode to be restored to a normal mode by using the
sensor set to the power-saving condition in the power-saving mode
of the electronic apparatus; and means for causing the electronic
apparatus to be restored from the power-saving mode to the normal
mode based on the detected trigger.
[0021] In the electronic apparatus, in the power-saving mode of the
electronic apparatus, out of the plurality of sensors, the sensor
whose power consumption in the power-saving condition is low is set
to the power-saving condition, the supply of power to the remaining
sensors is restricted, and the trigger for causing the electronic
apparatus to be restored from the power-saving mode to the normal
mode is detected by using the sensor set to the power-saving
condition, whereby it becomes possible to reduce the power
consumption.
[0022] It is one preferred form that the electronic apparatus is a
pointing device for 3-dimensional operations or a remote controller
for 3-dimensional operations which is equipped with at least an
acceleration sensor, and the sensor set to the power-saving
condition in the power-saving mode is the acceleration sensor.
[0023] In the pointing device for 3-dimensional operations and the
remote controller for 3-dimensional operations, a plurality of
sensors including the acceleration sensor are used, so the power
consumption thereof inevitably becomes larger. Here, the
acceleration sensor is a passive type sensor whose power
consumption is lower than those of the other sensors. In many
cases, the same holds true also when those sensors are operated in
the power-saving condition. Hence, in the power-saving mode, the
supply of power to the other sensors is restricted, the
acceleration sensor is set to the power-saving condition, and the
trigger for causing the power-saving mode to be restored to the
normal mode is detected by using the acceleration sensor set to the
power-saving condition, whereby it becomes possible to reduce the
power consumption.
[0024] It is one preferred form that the electronic apparatus
includes a gyro sensor, and supply of power to the gyro sensor is
restricted in the power-saving mode. The gyro sensor includes a
mechanically-vibrated vibrator and its power consumption is higher
than that of the acceleration sensor, so the power consumption can
be effectively suppressed.
[0025] According to an embodiment, there is provided a method of
controlling an electronic apparatus equipped with a plurality of
sensors each including a power-saving condition, including:
performing control so that, in a power-saving mode of the
electronic apparatus, a sensor whose power consumption in the
power-saving condition is low out of the plurality of sensors is
set to the power-saving condition, and supply of power to the
remaining sensors is restricted; detecting a trigger for causing
the power-saving mode to be restored to a normal mode by using the
sensor set to the power-saving condition in the power-saving mode;
and causing the electronic apparatus to be restored from the
power-saving mode to the normal mode based on the detected
trigger.
[0026] In the control method, in the power-saving mode, out of the
plurality of sensors, the sensor whose power consumption in the
power-saving condition is low is set to the power-saving condition,
the supply of power to the remaining sensors is restricted, and the
trigger for causing the power-saving mode to be restored to a
normal mode is detected by using the sensor set to the power-saving
condition, whereby it becomes possible to reduce the power
consumption.
[0027] It is one preferred form that the electronic apparatus is a
pointing device for 3-dimensional operations or a remote controller
for 3-dimensional operations which is equipped with at least an
acceleration sensor, and the sensor set to the power-saving
condition in the power-saving mode is the acceleration sensor.
[0028] In the pointing device for 3-dimensional operations and the
remote controller for 3-dimensional operations, a plurality of
sensors including the acceleration sensor are used, so the power
consumption thereof inevitably becomes larger. Here, the
acceleration sensor is a passive type sensor whose power
consumption is lower than those of the other sensors. The same
holds true also when those sensors are operated in the power-saving
mode. Hence, in the power-saving mode, the supply of power to the
other sensors is restricted, the acceleration sensor is set to the
power-saving mode, and the trigger for causing the power-saving
mode to be restored to the normal mode is detected by using the
acceleration sensor set to the power-saving mode, whereby it
becomes possible to reduce the power consumption.
[0029] It is one preferred form that the electronic apparatus
includes a gyro sensor, and supply of power to the gyro sensor is
restricted in the power-saving mode. The gyro sensor includes a
mechanically-vibrated vibrator and its power consumption is higher
than that of the acceleration sensor, so the power consumption can
be effectively suppressed.
[0030] To solve the problem above, an electronic apparatus
according to an embodiment includes a casing, a detection section,
a power supply section, and a control means.
[0031] The detection section includes a first sensor and a second
sensor whose power consumption is lower than that of the first
sensor, and detects a movement of the casing by using the first
sensor and the second sensor. The power supply section supplies
power to the first sensor and the second sensor. The control means
includes a normal mode in which the power is supplied to the first
sensor and the second sensor, a first power-saving mode in which
the supply of the power to the first sensor is cut off and the
power is supplied to the second sensor, and a second power-saving
mode in which the supply of the power to the first sensor and the
second sensor is cut off, and makes transitions from the normal
mode to the first power-saving mode and the second power-saving
mode based on an output of the detection section.
[0032] In the electronic apparatus, the control means includes the
normal mode, the first power-saving mode, and the second
power-saving mode. The power consumption in the first power-saving
mode is lower than that in the normal mode, and the power
consumption in the second power-saving mode is lower than that in
the first power-saving mode. Moreover, whether or not the casing is
being operated can be judged based on the output of the detection
section. Therefore, it becomes possible to reduce the power
consumption of the electronic apparatus by making transitions to
the respective modes based on the output of the detection
section.
[0033] The electronic apparatus may further include a restoration
means. The restoration means includes a first restoration mode for
causing, based on an output of the second sensor, the control means
to be restored from the first power-saving mode to the normal mode.
Accordingly, a restoration to the normal mode becomes possible even
in a condition where the power supply to the first sensor is cut
off.
[0034] The control means may further include a third power-saving
mode in which the supply of power from the power supply section to
the control means is cut off.
[0035] Accordingly, additional power saving of the electronic
apparatus can be achieved.
[0036] The control means may make a transition from the normal mode
to the first power-saving mode when judging, based on the output of
the detection section, that the casing has not been operated over a
first time period.
[0037] Accordingly, an appropriate shift to the first power-saving
mode can be made when the electronic apparatus is not used.
[0038] The control means may make a transition from the first
power-saving mode to the second power-saving mode when judging,
based on the output of the detection section, that the casing has
not been operated over a second time period longer than the first
time period.
[0039] Accordingly, an appropriate shift to the second power-saving
mode can be made when the electronic apparatus is not used.
[0040] The control means may make a transition from the normal mode
to the first power-saving mode when judging, based on the output of
the detection section, that the casing has not been operated over a
first time period, make a transition from the first power-saving
mode to the second power-saving mode when judging that the casing
has not been operated over a second time period longer than the
first time period, and make a transition from the second
power-saving mode to the third power-saving mode when judging that
the casing has not been operated over a third time period longer
than the second time period.
[0041] Accordingly, an appropriate shift to the third power-saving
mode can be made when the electronic apparatus is not used.
[0042] In the first power-saving mode, the second sensor may be in
a power-saving condition.
[0043] In the first power-saving mode, the second sensor only needs
to be in a condition capable of detecting a relatively large
movement of the electronic apparatus. Accordingly, it becomes
possible to enhance a power-saving effect.
[0044] The control means may include a microprocessor unit (MPU),
and in the second power-saving mode, the microprocessor unit may be
in a power-saving condition.
[0045] Accordingly, in the second power-saving mode, power
consumption in the microprocessor unit can be cut down.
[0046] The electronic apparatus may further include a first input
operation section. An input operation is made to the first input
operation section by a user. The restoration means may further
include a second restoration mode for causing, based on the input
operation to the first input operation section, the control means
to be restored from the second power-saving mode to the normal
mode.
[0047] Accordingly, the control means can be restored to the normal
mode based on the input operation to the input operation
section.
[0048] The electronic apparatus may further include a second input
operation section and a restoration means. The second input
operation section is cable of being operated by a user. The
restoration means includes a third restoration mode for causing,
based on the input operation to the second input operation section,
the control means to be restored from the third power-saving mode
to the normal mode.
[0049] Accordingly, the control means can be restored from the
third power-saving mode to the normal mode based on the input
operation to the second input operation section.
[0050] The electronic apparatus may be a pointing device for
3-dimensional operations or a remote controller for 3-dimensional
operations. In this case, the first sensor may be a gyro sensor,
and the second sensor may be an acceleration sensor.
[0051] Accordingly, it becomes possible to achieve power saving of
the pointing device or the remote controller.
[0052] The electronic apparatus may be a cellular phone or a
portable terminal apparatus. In this case, the first sensor may be
a geomagnetic orientation sensor, and the second sensor may be an
acceleration sensor. Instead of the geomagnetic orientation sensor,
a gyro sensor can be used.
[0053] Accordingly, it becomes possible to achieve power saving of
the cellular phone or the terminal apparatus.
[0054] According to another embodiment, there is provided a method
of controlling an electronic apparatus including a first sensor and
a second sensor whose power consumption is lower than that of the
first sensor. When the electronic apparatus has not been operated
over a first time period, the electronic apparatus is caused to
make a transition from a normal mode in which power is supplied to
the first sensor and the second sensor to a first power-saving mode
in which the supply of the power to the first sensor is cut off.
When the electronic apparatus has not been operated over a second
time period longer than the first time period, the electronic
apparatus is caused to make a transition to a second power-saving
mode in which the supply of the power to the first sensor and the
second sensor is cut off. When an input operation to the electronic
apparatus is detected while the second power-saving mode is being
executed, the electronic apparatus is restored from the second
power-saving mode to a normal mode in which the power is supplied
to the first sensor and the second sensor.
[0055] The power consumption in the first power-saving mode is
lower than that in the normal mode, and the power consumption in
the second power-saving mode is lower than that in the first
power-saving mode. Therefore, it becomes possible to reduce the
power consumption of the electronic apparatus by causing the
electronic apparatus to make transitions to the respective modes
according to a usage condition of the electronic apparatus.
Moreover, it is possible to restore the electronic apparatus from
the second power-saving mode to the normal mode based on the input
operation to the input operation section even in a condition where
the power supply to the first and second sensors is cut off.
[0056] When an operation performed by a user on the electronic
apparatus is detected while the first power-saving mode is being
executed, the electronic apparatus may be restored from the first
power-saving mode to the normal mode.
[0057] Accordingly, the first power-saving mode can appropriately
be restored to the normal mode according to the usage condition of
the electronic apparatus.
[0058] When the electronic apparatus has not been operated over a
third time period longer than the second time period, the
electronic apparatus may be caused to make a transition to a third
power-saving mode in which power to the electronic apparatus is cut
off.
[0059] Accordingly, additional power saving of the electronic
apparatus can be achieved.
[0060] As described above, according to the embodiments, it becomes
possible to reduce power consumption of an electronic
apparatus.
[0061] Additional features and advantages are described herein, and
will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0062] FIG. 1 A diagram showing a control system according to an
embodiment.
[0063] FIG. 2 A perspective diagram showing an input apparatus.
[0064] FIG. 3 A diagram schematically showing an internal structure
of the input apparatus.
[0065] FIG. 4 A perspective diagram showing a sensor unit.
[0066] FIG. 5 A block diagram showing an electrical structure of
the input apparatus.
[0067] FIG. 6 A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on
a display apparatus.
[0068] FIG. 7 A diagram showing a state where a user is holding the
input apparatus.
[0069] FIG. 8 Explanatory diagrams showing typical examples of ways
of moving the input apparatus and ways a pointer moves on a screen
thereby.
[0070] FIG. 9 Diagrams showing the input apparatus seen from a Z'
direction.
[0071] FIG. 10 Diagrams showing the input apparatus seen from an X'
direction.
[0072] FIG. 11 A flowchart showing an operation of calculating
velocity values of the input apparatus 1.
[0073] FIG. 12 A top view of the user operating the input
apparatus.
[0074] FIG. 13 A diagram showing a trajectory of the input
apparatus 1 seen from a plane formed by an X axis and a Y axis.
[0075] FIG. 14 A flowchart showing another embodiment described
above.
[0076] FIG. 15 A diagram showing transitional relations of
operation modes of MPUs 50 and 60 of the input apparatus.
[0077] FIG. 16 A diagram showing mode transitions of the MPU 60
based on events which have occurred in the MPU 50.
[0078] FIG. 17 A diagram showing transition conditions of operation
modes of the MPU 50.
[0079] FIG. 18 A diagram showing transition conditions of operation
modes of the MPU 60.
[0080] FIG. 19 A diagram showing Example 1 of operation mode
transitions of the input apparatus.
[0081] FIG. 20 A diagram showing Example 2 of the operation mode
transitions of the input apparatus.
[0082] FIG. 21 A diagram showing a structure of an input apparatus
of another embodiment.
[0083] FIG. 22 A block diagram showing a structure of a cellular
phone according to another embodiment.
[0084] FIG. 23 A block diagram showing a structure of a digital
camera according to another embodiment.
[0085] FIG. 24 A perspective diagram showing an input apparatus
251.
[0086] FIG. 25 A side view of the input apparatus 251 seen from a
scroll dial button side.
[0087] FIG. 26 A diagram showing a state where the user operates
the input apparatus while causing the lower curved surface to abut
on a knee.
[0088] FIG. 27 A perspective diagram showing an input apparatus
according to still another embodiment.
[0089] FIG. 28 A plan view showing an input apparatus according to
yet another embodiment.
[0090] FIG. 29 A side view showing the input apparatus shown in
FIG. 28.
[0091] FIG. 30 A plan view showing an input apparatus according to
still another embodiment.
[0092] FIG. 31 A perspective diagram of an input apparatus
including a light-emitting section that emits light according to an
operation mode.
[0093] FIG. 32 A block diagram showing an electrical structure of
another input apparatus.
[0094] FIG. 33 A flowchart of a mode switching operation of the
input apparatus.
[0095] FIG. 34 A flowchart for illustrating a mode switching
operation of this embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0096] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to
the drawings.
[0097] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a control system according to an
embodiment. A control system 100 includes a display apparatus 5, a
control apparatus 40, and an input apparatus 1.
[0098] As shown in FIG. 1, the control apparatus 40 is a computer
and includes an MPU 35 (or CPU), a RAM 36, a ROM 37, a transceiver
38, an antenna 39, a video RAM 41, and the like.
[0099] The transceiver 38 receives a control signal transmitted
from the input apparatus 1 via the antenna 39. The transceiver 38
also has a transmitting function and is capable of performing
two-way communication with the input apparatus 1. The transceiver
38 is detachable from the control apparatus 40, for example.
[0100] The MPU 35 performs, based on the control signal, an
operation for controlling the movement of a pointer (cursor) 2
displayed on a screen 3 of the display apparatus 5 or an operation
for controlling execution of an icon 4. Accordingly, a display
control signal for controlling a UI displayed on the screen 3 of
the display apparatus 5 is generated.
[0101] The video RAM 41 stores screen data generated in response to
the display control signal and that is to be displayed on the
display apparatus 5.
[0102] The control apparatus 40 may be an apparatus dedicated to
the input apparatus 1, or may be a personal computer (PC) or the
like. The control apparatus 40 is not limited to the PC, and may be
a computer integrally formed with the display apparatus 5, an
audio/visual equipment, a projector, a game device, a car
navigation device, or the like.
[0103] FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram showing the input apparatus
1. The input apparatus 1 is a pointing device (electronic
apparatus) for 3-dimensional operations used for inputting
information to the display apparatus 5. The input apparatus 1 is of
a size that a user is capable of holding. As shown in FIG. 2, the
input apparatus 1 includes a casing 10 and operation sections such
as three buttons 11, 12, and 13 provided at an upper portion of the
casing 10.
[0104] The button 11 is provided closer to the center of the upper
portion of the casing 10 and functions as, for example, a left
button of a mouse as an input device for a PC. A file is executed
by double-clicking the button 11. A "drag and drop" operation can
be performed by moving the input apparatus while pressing the
button 11.
[0105] The button 12 is adjacent to the button 11 and functions as
a right button of a mouse. Various option operations can be made,
for example.
[0106] The button 13 is a button used for switching
effectiveness/ineffectiveness of a function of recognizing a
movement of the input apparatus 1 and the like. The button 13 is a
rotatable button and can scroll the screen by its rotation.
Locations of the buttons 11, 12, and 13, a content of a command
issued, and the like can arbitrarily be changed.
[0107] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an internal
structure of the input apparatus 1. In descriptions given with
reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a longitudinal direction of the casing
10 is referred to as Z' direction, a thickness direction of the
casing 10 is referred to as X' direction, and a width direction of
the casing 10 is referred to as Y' direction for convenience.
[0108] As shown in FIG. 3, the input apparatus 1 includes a control
unit 30, a sensor unit 17, and batteries 14.
[0109] The control unit 30 includes a main substrate 18, MPUs 50
and 60 (Micro Processing Units) (or CPUs) mounted on the main
substrate 18, a crystal oscillator 20, a transceiver 21, and an
antenna 22 printed on the main substrate 18.
[0110] FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram showing the sensor unit 17
(detection section). The sensor unit 17 includes a circuit board
25, an angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor) unit 15, and an
acceleration sensor unit 16.
[0111] The angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor) unit 15 detects
angular velocities about two axes crossing each other, that is, two
orthogonal axes, for example. The acceleration sensor unit 16
detects accelerations along two axes crossing each other, that is,
two orthogonal axes (X' axis and Y' axis), for example. It should
be noted that detection axes of the angular velocity sensor unit 15
and detection axes of the acceleration sensor unit 16 are not
necessarily the same, and may be disposed at angles at which the
detection axes cross each other.
[0112] The angular velocity sensor unit 15 includes two sensors,
that is, a first angular velocity sensor 151 and a second angular
velocity sensor 152. The acceleration sensor unit 16 includes two
sensors, that is, a first acceleration sensor 161 and a second
acceleration sensor 162. Moreover, these angular velocity sensor
unit 15 and acceleration sensor unit 16 are packaged and mounted on
the circuit board 25.
[0113] As each of the first and second angular velocity sensors 151
and 152, a vibration gyro sensor for detecting Coriolis force
proportional to an angular velocity is used. As each of the first
and second acceleration sensors 161 and 162, any sensor such as a
piezoresistive sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, or a capacitance
sensor may be used.
[0114] The sensor unit 17 is incorporated into the casing 10 such
that a surface of the circuit board 25 on which the angular
velocity sensor unit 15 and the acceleration sensor unit 16 are
mounted is substantially in parallel with an X'-Y' plane, and the
sensor units 15 and 16 each detect physical amounts with respect to
the two axes, that is, the X' axis and the Y' axis. In descriptions
below, with regard to the movement of the input apparatus 1, a
rotational direction about the X' axis is sometimes referred to as
pitch direction, a rotational direction about the Y' axis is
sometimes referred to as yaw direction, and a rotational direction
about the Z' axis is sometimes referred to as roll direction.
[0115] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical structure of
the input apparatus 1. As shown in the figure, the input apparatus
1 includes the buttons 11, 12, and 13 (first input operation
section), the angular velocity sensor unit 15, the acceleration
sensor unit 16 (up to here, detection section), the MPU 50, the MPU
60, switches 51 and 52, the crystal oscillator 20, a DC-DC
converter 26 (up to here, control means or restoration means), and
electric cells (batteries) 14 (power supply section).
[0116] The input apparatus 1 is powered by the batteries 14. As the
batteries 14, dry cell batteries, rechargeable batteries, or the
like are used.
[0117] The DC-DC converter 26 supplies power to the angular
velocity sensor unit 15, the acceleration sensor unit 16, and the
MPUs 50 and 60 while keeping power supply voltages of the batteries
14 at a constant voltage. The DC-DC converter 26 includes a
shutdown switch 48. The shutdown switch 48 is a switch for turning
off the power supply to the entire system of the input apparatus
1.
[0118] The crystal oscillator 20 generates clocks and supplies them
to the MPUs 50 and 60.
[0119] Based on detection signals of the angular velocity sensor
unit 15 and the acceleration sensor unit 16, the MPU 50 calculates
velocity values and outputs those velocity values to the MPU 60
(movement value generation means). The MPU 50 manages input signals
from the buttons 11, 12, and 13 and outputs input information to
the MPU 60.
[0120] The MPU 50 executes operation modes of the angular velocity
sensor unit 15, the acceleration sensor unit 16, and the MPU 50
itself in response to commands (commands for transitions of
operation modes) to be described later from the MPU 60 (execution
means). The MPU 50 switches on/off of the switch 51 and the switch
52 according to the operation mode to be executed. When the switch
51 is on, the power is supplied from the DC-DC converter 26 to the
angular velocity sensor unit 15, and when the switch 51 is off, the
supply of power is cut off. When the switch 52 is on, the power is
supplied from the DC-DC converter 26 to the acceleration sensor
unit 16, and when the switch 52 is off, the supply of power is cut
off. It should be noted that the switch 51 may be incorporated into
the angular velocity sensor unit 15, or the switch 52 may be
incorporated into the acceleration sensor unit 16.
[0121] The MPU 50 outputs a power off command to the shutdown
switch 48 based on a predetermined command from the MPU 60, and
turns off the power supply to the entire system of the input
apparatus 1.
[0122] The MPU 60 judges a usage condition of the input apparatus 1
based on a signal from the MPU 50 (judgment means). That is, based
on the velocity values and the signals from the buttons 11, 12, and
13 transmitted from the MPU 50, the MPU 60 makes a judgment between
a first condition where the input apparatus 1 is being operated and
a second condition where the input apparatus 1 is not operated.
[0123] The MPU 60 transmits a result of the judgment to the MPU 50.
The MPU 60 makes a transition of an operation mode of the MPU 60
itself based on this judgment result.
[0124] The MPU 60 outputs the velocity values and the signals from
the buttons 11, 12, and 13 transmitted from the MPU 50 as RF radio
signals to the control apparatus 40 via the antenna 22 by means of
the transceiver 21. The transceiver 21 also functions as a receiver
for receiving the signals transmitted from the control apparatus
40.
[0125] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the screen 3
displayed on the display apparatus 5. Examples of the display
apparatus 5 include a liquid crystal display and an EL
(Electro-Luminescence) display, but are not limited thereto. The
display apparatus 5 may alternatively be an apparatus integrally
formed with a display and capable of receiving television
broadcasts and the like. To help understand descriptions below, the
UI to be an operation target of the input apparatus 1 will be
described as being the pointer (cursor) 2 unless otherwise
specified.
[0126] UIs such as the icons 4 and the pointer 2 are displayed on
the screen 3. The icons are obtained by imaging program functions,
execution commands, file contents, and the like of a computer on
the screen 3. It should be noted that the horizontal direction of
the screen 3 is set as an X-axis direction and the vertical
direction thereof is set as a Y-axis direction.
[0127] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state where the user is
holding the input apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the input
apparatus 1 may include, in addition to the buttons 11, 12, and 13,
operation sections including various operation buttons such as
those provided to a remote controller for operating a television or
the like and a power switch, for example. When the user moves the
input apparatus 1 in the air or operates the operation section
while holding the input apparatus 1 as shown in the figure, input
information is output to the control apparatus 40, and the UI is
controlled by the control apparatus 40.
[0128] Next, a description will be given on typical examples of
ways of moving the input apparatus 1 and ways the pointer 2 moves
on the screen 3 thereby. FIG. 8 are explanatory diagrams
therefor.
[0129] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the user holds the input
apparatus 1 so as to aim the buttons 11 and 12 side of the input
apparatus 1 at the display apparatus 5 side. The user holds the
input apparatus 1 so that a thumb is located on an upper side and a
pinky is located on a lower side as in handshakes. In this
condition, the circuit board 25 (see FIG. 4) of the sensor unit 17
is substantially in parallel with the screen 3 of the display
apparatus 5, and the two axes as the detection axes of the sensor
unit 17 respectively correspond to the horizontal axis (X axis) and
the vertical axis (Y axis) on the screen 3. Hereinafter, the
position of the input apparatus 1 as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B is
referred to as reference position.
[0130] As shown in FIG. 8A, when the user swings a wrist or an arm
in the vertical direction, that is, the pitch direction while the
input apparatus 1 is in the reference position, the second
acceleration sensor 162 detects an acceleration in the Y'-axis
direction and the first angular velocity sensor 151 detects an
angular velocity about the X' axis (see FIG. 4). Based on those
detection values, the control apparatus 40 controls the display of
the pointer 2 such that the pointer 2 moves in the Y-axis direction
in FIG. 6.
[0131] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the user swings the
wrist or the arm in the horizontal direction, that is, the yaw
direction while the input apparatus 1 is in the reference position,
the first acceleration sensor 161 detects an acceleration in the
X'-axis direction and the second angular velocity sensor 152
detects an angular velocity about the Y' axis (see FIG. 4). Based
on those detection values, the control apparatus 40 controls the
display of the pointer 2 such that the pointer 2 moves in the
X-axis direction shown in FIG. 6.
[0132] Although descriptions will be given later, in the
embodiment, the MPU 50 of the input apparatus 1 calculates, in
accordance with the program stored in a built-in nonvolatile
memory, the velocity values in the yaw and pitch directions based
on the detection values detected by the sensor unit 17. In this
case, mainly the MPU 50 of the input apparatus 1 calculates
velocity information. Here, a dimension of an integration value
(velocity) of the acceleration values of two axes detected by the
acceleration sensor unit 16 is used in principal for the control of
the movement of the pointer 2. Then, input information on the
velocity dimension is transmitted to the control apparatus 40.
[0133] In another embodiment, the input apparatus 1 transmits the
physical amounts detected by the angular velocity sensor unit 15
and the like to the control apparatus 40 as input information. In
this case, the MPU 35 of the control apparatus 40 calculates the
velocity values in the yaw and pitch directions based on the
received input information in accordance with a program stored in
the ROM 37 and controls display such that the pointer 2 moves
according to the velocity values (FIG. 14).
[0134] The control apparatus 40 converts a displacement in the yaw
direction per unit time into a displacement amount of the pointer 2
on the X axis on the screen 3, and converts a displacement in the
pitch direction per unit time into a displacement amount of the
pointer 2 on the Y axis on the screen 3, to thereby move the
pointer 2. Typically, regarding the velocity values supplied every
predetermined number of clocks, the MPU 35 of the control apparatus
40 adds an n-th velocity value that has been supplied to an
(n-1)-th velocity value that has been supplied. Accordingly, the
n-th velocity value that has been supplied corresponds to the
displacement amount of the pointer 2, and coordinate information of
the pointer 2 on the screen 3 is generated. In this case, mainly
the MPU 35 of the control apparatus 40 calculates the coordinate
information.
[0135] A calculation method regarding an integral of the
acceleration values that is used when calculating the velocity
values only needs to be the same as that for the displacement
amounts.
[0136] Next, a description will be given on a gravitational effect
with respect to the acceleration sensor unit 16. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10
are explanatory diagrams therefor. FIG. 9 are diagrams showing the
input apparatus 1 seen from the Z' direction. FIG. 10 are diagrams
showing the input apparatus 1 seen from the X' direction.
[0137] In FIG. 9A, the input apparatus 1 is in the reference
position and is held still. At this time, an output of the first
acceleration sensor 161 is substantially zero, and an output of the
second acceleration sensor 162 is an output corresponding to a
gravity acceleration G. However, as shown in FIG. 9B, for example,
in a condition where the input apparatus 1 is tilted in the yaw
direction, the first and second acceleration sensors 161 and 162
respectively detect acceleration values of tilt components of the
gravity acceleration G.
[0138] In this case, the first acceleration sensor 161 detects the
acceleration in the X'-axis direction even when the input apparatus
1 is not actually moved in the yaw direction in particular. The
condition shown in FIG. 9B is equivalent to a condition where, when
the input apparatus 1 is in the reference position as shown in FIG.
9C, the acceleration sensor unit 16 has received inertial forces Ix
and Iy as respectively indicated by arrows with broken lines, thus
being undistinguishable by the acceleration sensor unit 16. As a
result, the acceleration sensor unit 16 judges that an acceleration
in a lower left-hand direction is applied to the input apparatus 1,
and outputs a detection signal different from the actual movement
of the input apparatus 1. In addition, because the gravity
acceleration G constantly acts on the acceleration sensor unit 16,
an integration value is increased and an amount by which the
pointer 2 is displaced in the downward oblique direction is
increased at an accelerating pace. When the condition is shifted
from that shown in FIG. 9A to that shown in FIG. 9B, it is
considered that inhibition of the movement of the pointer 2 on the
screen 3 is an operation that intrinsically matches the intuitional
operation of the user.
[0139] The same holds true also when the input apparatus 1 is
rolled in the pitch direction from the reference position of the
input apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. 10A to tilt as shown in FIG.
10B, for example. In such a case, because the gravity acceleration
G detected by the second acceleration sensor 162 at the time the
input apparatus 1 is in the reference position decreases, it is
difficult for the input apparatus 1 to make a distinguishment from
the inertial force I in the pitch direction as shown in FIG.
10C.
[0140] To reduce such a gravitational effect with respect to the
acceleration sensor unit 16 as much as possible, the input
apparatus 1 of this embodiment uses the angular velocity values
detected by the angular velocity sensor unit 15 to calculate the
velocity values of the input apparatus 1. Descriptions on an
operation thereof will be given below. FIG. 11 is a flowchart
showing the operation.
[0141] Power of the input apparatus 1 is turned on. For example,
the user turns on a power switch or the like provided to the input
apparatus 1 or the control apparatus 40 to turn on the power of the
input apparatus 1. When the power is turned on, biaxial
acceleration signals (first and second acceleration values a.sub.x
and a.sub.y) are output from the acceleration sensor unit 16 (Step
101a) and supplied to the MPU 50. The acceleration signals are
signals corresponding to the position of the input apparatus 1 at a
point when the power is turned on (hereinafter, referred to as
initial position).
[0142] There are cases where the initial position is the reference
position. However, a position at which the entire amount of the
gravity acceleration in the X'-axis direction is detected, that is,
a position at which the output of the first acceleration sensor 161
is the acceleration value corresponding to the amount of the
gravity acceleration and the output of the second acceleration
sensor 162 is zero is also possible. As a matter of course, the
initial position may be a position tilted as shown in FIG. 9B.
[0143] The MPU 50 of the input apparatus 1 acquires the
acceleration signals (a.sub.x, a.sub.y) from the acceleration
sensor unit 16 every predetermined number of clocks. Upon acquiring
the second and subsequent acceleration signals (a.sub.x, a.sub.y),
the MPU 50 performs the following operation to remove the
gravitational effect. Specifically, as in Equations (1) and (2)
below, the MPU 50 subtracts gravity acceleration components (first
a.sub.x (=a.sub.refx) and a.sub.y (=a.sub.refy)) in the X'- and
Y'-axis directions detected last time from the currently-obtained
acceleration values a.sub.x and a.sub.y, respectively, to thereby
generate a first correction acceleration value a.sub.corx and a
second correction acceleration value a.sub.cory (Step 102a).
a.sub.corx=a.sub.x-a.sub.refx (1)
a.sub.cory=a.sub.y-a.sub.refy (2)
[0144] Hereinafter, a.sub.refx and a.sub.refy will be referred to
as reference acceleration value on the X' axis and reference
acceleration value on the Y' axis (first reference acceleration
value and second reference acceleration value), respectively.
a.sub.refx and a.sub.refy used in the first calculation of Step
102a since turning on of the power are acceleration signals a.sub.x
and a.sub.y detected right after the turning on of the power.
[0145] As shown in Equations (3) and (4), the MPU 50 calculates a
first velocity value V.sub.x and a second velocity value V.sub.y by
respectively adding the first and second correction acceleration
values a.sub.corx and a.sub.cory, that is, by an integration
operation (Step 115).
V.sub.x(t)=V.sub.x(t-1)+a.sub.corx (3)
V.sub.y(t)=V.sub.y(t-1)+a.sub.cory (4)
[0146] V.sub.x(t) and V.sub.y(t) represent the currently-obtained
velocity values and V.sub.x(t-1) and V.sub.y(t-1) represent the
velocity values obtained last time.
[0147] Meanwhile, when the power of the input apparatus 1 is turned
on as described above, biaxial angular velocity signals (first and
second angular velocity values .omega..sub.x and .omega..sub.y) are
output from the angular velocity sensor unit 15 (Step 101b) and
supplied to the MPU 50. Upon acquisition, the MPU 50 respectively
calculates angular acceleration values (first angular acceleration
value .DELTA..omega..sub.x and second angular acceleration value
.DELTA..omega..sub.y) by a derivation operation (Step 102b).
[0148] The MPU 50 judges whether absolute values
|.DELTA..omega..sub.x| and |.DELTA..omega..sub.y| of
.DELTA..omega..sub.x and .DELTA..omega..sub.y above, respectively,
are smaller than a threshold value Th1 (Step 103, Step 106). When
|.DELTA..omega..sub.y|.gtoreq.Th1, the MPU 50 uses the first
reference acceleration value a.sub.refx as it is and does not
update it (Step 104). Similarly, when
|.DELTA..omega..sub.x|.gtoreq.Th1, the MPU 50 uses the second
reference acceleration value a.sub.refy as it is and does not
update it (Step 107).
[0149] A value close to zero is set as the threshold value Th1. The
threshold value Th1 takes into account the angular velocity values
that are detected due to a hand movement of the user, a DC offset,
or the like even when the user is consciously holding the input
apparatus 1 still. Thus, the pointer 2 is prevented from being
moved during display due to the hand movement or the DC offset in
the case where the user is consciously holding the input apparatus
1 still.
[0150] Reasons for performing the processing as described above are
as follows.
[0151] FIG. 12 is a top view of the user operating the input
apparatus 1. When the user operates the input apparatus 1
naturally, the operation is made by at least one of a rotation from
a base of an arm, bending of an elbow, and a turn of a wrist.
Therefore, generation of the acceleration leads to generation of
the angular acceleration. Specifically, the acceleration is assumed
to be subservient to the angular acceleration generated in the same
direction as the acceleration. Therefore, by the MPU 50 monitoring
the second angular acceleration value |.DELTA..omega..sub.y|, it is
possible to judge whether or not to update the first reference
acceleration value a.sub.refx in the same direction, and judge
whether or not to eventually correct the first correction
acceleration value a.sub.corx from Equation (1). The same holds
true for the first angular acceleration value
|.DELTA..omega..sub.x|.
[0152] More specifically, when the second angular acceleration
value |.DELTA..omega..sub.y| is equal to or larger than the
threshold value Th1, the MPU 50 judges that the input apparatus 1
is moving in the yaw direction. In this case, the MPU 50 does not
update the first reference acceleration value a.sub.refx. As a
result, the first correction acceleration value a.sub.corx is not
corrected and the integration operation of Equation (3) is
continued based on a.sub.corx.
[0153] Further, when the first angular acceleration value
|.DELTA..omega..sub.x| is equal to or larger than the threshold
value Th1, the MPU 50 judges that the input apparatus 1 is moving
in the pitch direction. In this case, the MPU 50 does not update
the second reference acceleration value a.sub.refy. As a result,
the second correction acceleration value a.sub.cory is not
corrected and the integration operation of Equation (4) is
continued based on a.sub.cory.
[0154] Meanwhile, when the second angular acceleration value
|.DELTA..omega..sub.y| is smaller than the threshold value Th1 in
Step 103, the MPU 50 judges that the input apparatus 1 is not moved
in the yaw direction. In this case, the MPU 50 updates the first
reference acceleration value a.sub.refx to the currently-obtained
(latest) detection value a.sub.x, to thereby correct the first
correction acceleration value a.sub.corx using Equation (1) (Step
105). The latest detection value a.sub.x is a detection value
obtained while the input apparatus 1 is held almost still, thus
being a component value by the gravity acceleration.
[0155] Similarly, when the first angular acceleration value
|.DELTA..omega..sub.x| is smaller than the threshold value Th1 in
Step 106, the MPU 50 judges that the input apparatus 1 is not moved
in the pitch direction. In this case, the MPU 50 updates the second
reference acceleration value a.sub.refy to the currently-obtained
(latest) detection value a.sub.y, to thereby correct the second
correction acceleration value a.sub.cory using Equation (2) (Step
108).
[0156] In this embodiment, the threshold values in both the yaw
direction and the pitch direction have been set to the same value
Th1. However, different threshold values may be used for both
directions.
[0157] In the above description, the angular acceleration values
.DELTA..omega..sub.x and .DELTA..omega..sub.y have been monitored,
but the MPU 50 can also monitor the angular velocity values
.omega..sub.x and .omega..sub.y to correct the velocity values
calculated in Equations (3) and (4). Based on the same idea as that
of FIG. 12, assuming that generation of the velocity leads to
generation of the angular velocity, it can be assumed that the
velocity is subservient to the angular velocity in the same
direction as the direction of the velocity.
[0158] Specifically, when the absolute value of the second angular
velocity value |.omega..sub.y| is equal to or larger than a
threshold value Th2 (NO in Step 109), the MPU 50 judges that the
input apparatus 1 is moving in the yaw direction. In this case, the
MPU 50 does not correct the first velocity value V.sub.x (Step
110). The same holds true for the absolute value of the first
angular velocity value |.omega..sub.x| (NO in Step 112, and Step
113).
[0159] The threshold value Th2 also only needs to be set in the
same manner as the threshold value Th1.
[0160] On the other hand, when the absolute value of the second
angular velocity value |.omega..sub.y| is smaller than the
threshold value Th2 (YES in Step 109), the MPU 50 judges that the
input apparatus 1 is not moved in the yaw direction. In this case,
the MPU 50 corrects the first velocity value V.sub.x to, for
example, zero to reset the value (Step 111). The same holds true
for the absolute value of the first angular velocity value
|.omega..sub.x| (YES in Step 112, and Step 114).
[0161] As described above, the MPU 50 outputs the velocity values
V.sub.x and V.sub.y in both directions to the MPU 60, and the MPU
60 outputs the velocity values V.sub.x and V.sub.y to the control
apparatus 40 via the transceiver 21 (Step 116).
[0162] The MPU 50 typically executes Steps 101a and 101b
synchronously, but Step 101b may be executed after executing Step
101a, or Step 101a may be executed after executing Step 101b.
Moreover, the order of the processes of Steps 103, 105, 109, and
112 is not limited to the example above. In other words, the order
of processes of those steps can arbitrarily be changed. The same
holds true also for processing shown in FIG. 14. Further, when the
embodiment is applied to an electronic apparatus (handheld display
apparatus) in which the input apparatus and the control apparatus
are integrated, the processing shown in FIGS. 11 and 14 is executed
in the same apparatus.
[0163] The MPU 35 of the control apparatus 40 is input with the
velocity values V.sub.x and V.sub.y as input information (Step
117). The MPU 35 generates coordinate values X and Y of the pointer
2 corresponding to the velocity values V.sub.x and V.sub.y, that
are shown in Equations (5) and (6) below (Step 118), and controls
display such that the pointer 2 moves on the screen 3 (Step
119).
X(t)=X(t-1)+V.sub.x (5)
Y(t)=Y(t-1)+V.sub.y (6)
[0164] As described above, the reference acceleration values
a.sub.refx and a.sub.refy are updated and the correction
acceleration values a.sub.corx and a.sub.cory are corrected when
the input apparatus 1 is held almost still, with the result that
the gravitational effect with respect to the acceleration sensor
unit 16 can be suppressed. In addition, because the correction
acceleration values a.sub.corx and a.sub.cory are corrected using
Equations (1) and (2) upon update of the reference acceleration
values a.sub.ref and a.sub.refy, a DC level is also corrected,
thereby solving the problem regarding the DC offset. Further,
because the velocity values are corrected so as to be reset to zero
when the input apparatus 1 is held almost still, integration errors
can also be suppressed. When an integration error is generated, a
phenomenon in which the pointer 2 moves on the screen 3
irrespective of the fact that the user has stopped moving the input
apparatus 1 occurs.
[0165] Moreover, in this embodiment, because the first reference
acceleration value a.sub.refx and the second reference acceleration
value a.sub.refy are updated individually, when even one of the
angular acceleration values in the yaw direction and the pitch
direction becomes smaller than the threshold value, a correction
thereof is performed. Therefore, it is possible to update the first
reference acceleration value a.sub.refx or the second reference
acceleration value a.sub.refy with a time interval short enough for
practical use. The same holds true for the individual corrections
of the first velocity value V.sub.x and the second velocity value
V.sub.y FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram to help understand the
above description.
[0166] FIG. 13 shows a trajectory of the input apparatus 1 seen
from a plane formed by the X axis and the Y axis. V.sub.x is reset
to zero if the angular velocity value .omega..sub.y in the yaw
direction is substantially zero (smaller than the threshold value
Th2). V.sub.y is reset to 0 if the angular velocity value
.omega..sub.x in the pitch direction is substantially 0 (smaller
than the threshold value Th2).
[0167] In the related art, for suppressing the gravitational
effect, in addition to the input apparatus 1 provided with six
sensors, there is also an apparatus that detects a gravity vector
change per unit time by a triaxial acceleration sensor to thus
recognize the angular velocities in the roll direction and the
pitch direction, and sets them as XY displacement amounts. Although
there is no problem concerning the Y-axis direction, because this
apparatus is of a type that moves the pointer 2 in the X-axis
direction based only on the twist or turn of a wrist of the user in
the roll direction, the intuitional operation of the user is not
matched.
[0168] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing another embodiment described
above. In this flowchart, the input apparatus 1 outputs as input
information the biaxial acceleration signals and biaxial angular
velocity signals output from the sensor unit 17 to the control
apparatus 40. The MPU 35 of the control apparatus 40 executes Steps
102a and 102b to 115 shown in FIG. 11 in Steps 204 to 218. Details
thereof are the same as those of FIG. 11, so descriptions thereof
will be omitted.
[0169] The input apparatus 1 may be, for example, a remote
controller used for remotely controlling a television or the like,
or an input apparatus for a game machine.
[0170] Next, descriptions will be given on a switch between
operation modes of the input apparatus 1.
[0171] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing transitional relations of
operation modes of the MPUs 50 and 60 of the input apparatus 1.
[0172] As shown in the figure, the MPUs 50 and 60 are each set to
make transitions among a plurality of operation modes. Arrows with
dotted lines in FIG. 15 indicate commands transmitted from the MPU
60 to the MPU 50. The operation mode transitions of the MPU 50 are
caused by those commands indicated by the arrows with dotted lines.
Operations of the MPUs 50 and 60 are set according to respective
operation modes.
[0173] The MPU 50 makes transitions among the operation modes of a
reset mode (POR: Power On Reset), an initialization mode (Init), an
active mode (Active) (normal mode), a sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1) (first
power-saving mode), a sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2) (second power-saving
mode), and a power off mode (Power Off) (third power-saving
mode).
[0174] The MPU 60 makes transitions among the operation modes of a
reset mode (POR), an initialization mode (Init), a disconnect mode
(Disconnect), an active mode (Active) (normal mode), a sleep 1 mode
(Sleep 1) (first power-saving mode), a sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2)
(second power-saving mode), and an off mode (Off) (third
power-saving mode).
[0175] The reset mode (POR) is a condition immediately after the
power of the input apparatus 1 is turned on. After that, the MPUs
50 and 60 each shift to device initialization processing.
[0176] The initialization mode (Init) is, in each of the MPUs 50
and 60, a condition where hardware initialization has been
completed. The MPU 50 is in a standby condition until receiving an
active command indicated by an arrow with a dotted line from the
MPU 60. The active command is a command to cause the MPU 50 to make
a transition from the initialization mode (Init) to the active mode
(Active). Immediately after the completion of its hardware
initialization, the MPU 60 transmits the active command to the MPU
50 and makes a transition to the disconnect mode (Disconnect).
[0177] The disconnect mode (Disconnect) is a condition peculiar to
the MPU 60 and a condition where radio communication with the
control apparatus 40 being a personal computer is disabled. The MPU
60 determines a frequency of radio waves for radio communication
with a radio communication device on the control apparatus 40 side
and acquires an identification code from the radio communication
device. Thus, radio communication between the input apparatus 1 and
the control apparatus 40 is enabled. At a stage where the radio
communication is enabled, the MPU 60 makes a transition to the
active mode (Active). When the radio communication is not enabled
for a certain period of time (for example, five minutes), the MPU
60 makes a transition to the off mode (Off).
[0178] The active mode (Active) is, in each of the MPUs 50 and 60,
a normal operating condition. For example, the MPU 50 reads the
detection signals of the angular velocities and accelerations
detected by the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the
acceleration sensor unit 16 and calculates the velocity values
V.sub.x and V.sub.y of the cursor (pointer) 2 shown in FIG. 6 in
the X direction (horizontal direction) and the Y direction
(vertical direction). Further, the MPU 50 detects on/off conditions
of the buttons 11, 12, 13, and the like.
[0179] The MPU 60 periodically acquires the velocity values V.sub.x
and V.sub.y and the on/off conditions of the buttons 11, 12, 13,
and the like from the MPU 50 by a command (for example, cycle of 10
msec). The MPU 60 transmits the information received from the MPU
50 to the control apparatus 40 via the transceiver 21 by radio
communication. When the ratio communication between the control
apparatus 40 and the input apparatus 1 is disabled at this time,
the MPU 60 makes a transition from the active mode (Active) to the
disconnect mode (Disconnect) and enters the disconnect mode
(Disconnect). When the radio communication is being continued, the
MPU 60 judges a condition where the velocity values V.sub.x and
V.sub.y are both zero and the buttons 11, 12, 13, and the like are
all in the Off condition as "a condition where the user is not
operating the input apparatus 1", and when this condition continues
for a first predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), makes a
transition to the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1).
[0180] The sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1) is, in each of the MPUs 50 and
60, a condition in a first-stage power-saving mode. Immediately
after making the transition to the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1), the MPU
60 transmits a sleep 1 command also to the MPU 50 to cause a
transition to the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1). After transmitting the
sleep 1 command, the MPU 60 sets the MPU 60 itself to the
power-saving mode.
[0181] Upon receiving the sleep 1 command, the MPU 50 makes a
transition to the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1), turns off the switch 51
to turn off power of the angular velocity sensor unit 15, sets the
acceleration sensor unit 16 to transmit an interrupt signal to the
MPU 50 by detection of the movement of the input apparatus 1, and
thereafter sets the MPU 50 itself to the power-saving mode.
[0182] When the detection values of the first acceleration sensor
161 and the second acceleration sensor 162 of the acceleration
sensor unit 16 are zero and the buttons 11, 12, and 13 are all in
the off condition even after a second predetermined time (for
example, one minute) has elapsed since having become stationary,
the MPU 60 makes a transition to the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2).
[0183] The sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2) is, in each of the MPUs 50 and
60, a condition in a second-stage power-saving mode. Immediately
after making the transition to the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2), the MPU
60 transmits a sleep 2 command also to the MPU 50 to cause a
transition to the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2). After transmitting the
sleep 2 command, the MPU 60 sets itself to the power-saving
mode.
[0184] Upon receiving the sleep 2 command, the MPU 50 makes a
transition to the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2), turns off the switch 52
to turn off power of the acceleration sensor unit 16 (to turn off
power of both the acceleration sensor unit 15 and the angular
velocity sensor unit 16), and sets the MPU 50 itself to the
power-saving mode.
[0185] The off mode (Off) is a condition peculiar to the MPU 60 and
a condition to stand by until the MPU 50 turns off the power supply
to the entire system. Upon making a transition to the off mode
(Off), the MPU 60 transmits a power off command (Power Off command)
to the MPU 50 to set the power off mode (Power Off). After that,
the MPU 60 enters the standby condition until the power supply to
the entire system is turned off.
[0186] Upon receiving the power off command (Power Off command),
the MPU 50 executes necessary processing including parameter
storage and the like, and thereafter sets the shutdown switch 48 of
the DC-DC converter 26 to low and cuts off the power supplied to
the entire input apparatus 1.
[0187] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing mode transitions of the MPU 60
based on events which have occurred in the MPU 50.
[0188] Zigzag arrows of FIG. 16 indicate events. A button event
(Button Event) is an event input from the buttons 11, 12, 13, and
the like to the MPU 50 when the buttons 11, 12, 13, and the like
are operated by the user. A motion event (Motion Event) is an event
input from the acceleration sensor unit 16 to the MPU 50 when an
acceleration is given to the input apparatus 1 by the user.
[0189] A report event (Report Event) is a notice event from the MPU
50 to the MPU 60. The report event (Report Event) is an event
caused by a specific signal input from the MPU 50 to the MPU 60
when the button event (Button Event) or the motion event (Motion
Event) occurs in the MPU 50.
[0190] The MPU 50 causes the MPU 60 in the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1)
or the sleep 2 mode (Sleep) to make a transition to the active mode
(Active) by the report invent (Report Event).
[0191] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing transition conditions of the
operation modes of the MPU 50.
[0192] In FIG. 17, the operation modes as transition sources of the
MPU 50 are shown in a column direction, and the operation modes as
transition destinations of the MPU 50 are shown in a row
direction.
[0193] When receiving the active command (Active command) from the
MPU 60 in the initialization mode (Init), the MPU 50 makes a
transition to the active mode (Active).
[0194] When receiving the sleep 1 command (Sleep 1 command) from
the MPU 60 in the active mode (Active), the MPU 50 makes a
transition to the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1). When receiving the power
off command (Power Off command) from the MPU 60 in the active mode
(Active), the MPU 50 makes a transition to the power off mode
(Power Off).
[0195] When receiving the button event (Button Event) or the motion
event (Motion event) caused by the user in the sleep 1 mode (Sleep
1), the MPU 50 makes a transition to the active mode (Active).
[0196] When receiving the sleep 2 command (Sleep 2 command) from
the MPU 60 in the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1), the MPU 50 makes a
transition to the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2). When receiving the power
off command (Power Off command) from the MPU 60 in the sleep 1 mode
(Sleep 1), the MPU 50 may make a transition to the power off mode
(Power Off).
[0197] When receiving the button event (Button Event) caused by the
user in the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2), the MPU 50 makes a transition
to the active mode (Active).
[0198] When receiving the power off command (Power Off command)
from the MPU 60 in the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2), the MPU 50 makes a
transition to the power off mode (Power Off).
[0199] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing transition conditions of the
operation modes of the MPU 60.
[0200] Similar to FIG. 17, in FIG. 18, the operation modes as
transition sources of the MPU 60 are shown in the column direction,
and the operation modes as transition destinations of the MPU 60
are shown in the row direction.
[0201] In the initialization mode (Init), the MPU 60 outputs the
active command (Active command) for initializing the MPU 50 to the
MPU 50 to initialize the MPU 50, and makes a transition to the
disconnect mode (Disconnect).
[0202] When succeeding in a connection of radio communication with
the control apparatus 40 side in the disconnect mode (Disconnect),
the MPU 60 makes a transition to the active mode (Active).
[0203] When the connection of the radio communication with the
control apparatus 40 side is disabled in the active mode (Active),
the MPU 60 makes a transition to the disconnect mode
(Disconnect).
[0204] When the connection of the radio communication with the
control apparatus 40 side has been disabled for a predetermined
time (for example, five minutes), the MPU 60 makes a transition to
the off mode (Off).
[0205] When the report event (Report Event) is not input for a
predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) since having become
stationary in the active mode (Active), the MPU 60 makes a
transition to the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1).
[0206] When the report event (Report Event) is input from the MPU
50 in the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1), the MPU 60 makes a transition to
the active mode (Active).
[0207] When the report event (Report Event) is not input from the
MPU 50 for a predetermined time (for example, one minute) since
having become stationary in the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1), the MPU 60
makes a transition to the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2).
[0208] When the report event (Report Event) is input from the MPU
50 in the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2), the MPU 60 makes a transition to
the active mode (Active).
[0209] When the report event (Report Event) is not input from the
MPU 50 for a third predetermined time (for example, five minutes)
since having become stationary in the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2), the
MPU 60 makes the transition to the off mode (Off).
[0210] As described above, according to this embodiment, the input
apparatus 1 includes the MPU 50 and the MPU 60, and the MPU 50 can
obtain the velocity values based on the detection signals from the
angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the like and transmit the
velocity values to the MPU 60 together with the signals from the
button 11 and the like. The MPU 60 can judge whether or not the
input apparatus 1 is being operated based on the signals from the
MPU 50, judge the operation mode of the transition destination
based on the time elapsed since having become stationary, and
transmit a judgment result to the MPU 50. Based on the judgment
result from the MPU 60, the MPU 50 sets the MPU 50, the angular
velocity sensor unit 15, and the like to the active mode when the
input apparatus 1 is being operated, and sets the MPU 50, the
angular velocity sensor unit 15, and the like to the sleep 1 mode,
the sleep 2 mode, and the like when the input apparatus 1 is not
operated. For example, when the MPU 60 judges that the input
apparatus 1 is not operated, the MPU 60 can transmit the sleep 1
command to the MPU 50. The MPU 50 makes a transition to the sleep 1
mode (Sleep 1) or the like in response to the sleep 1 command or
the like from the MPU 60. Then, the MPU 50 can turn off the power
of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 so that the angular velocity
sensor unit 15 does not detect the angular velocity values of the
input apparatus 1. As a result, electric power consumed by the
angular velocity sensor unit 15 can be cut down, thereby enabling a
reduction in power consumption of the input apparatus 1.
[0211] Specifically, in the normal mode, for example, the
acceleration sensor unit 16 is a passive type sensor whose
consumption current is about 0.2 mA to 1 mA at 3 V drive. On the
other hand, the angular velocity sensor unit 15 includes a
mechanically-vibrated vibrator (not shown) and is required to
constantly vibrate the vibrator to generate Coriolis force. To use
the angular velocity sensor as a sensor for detecting a trigger for
restoration from the power-saving mode, a driving circuit thereof
needs to be kept operating. The consumption current of the angular
velocity sensor driven at 3 V is about 6 mA to 12 mA, which is
larger than that of the acceleration sensor unit 16. In other
words, by switching to the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1), the consumption
current can be reduced to about 1/30 to 1/12 compared to that in
the active mode (Active). Moreover, when the power-supply voltage
is 3.3 V, the consumption current of the acceleration sensor unit
16 is 0.3 mA, and the consumption current of the angular velocity
sensor unit 15 is 7 mA, the consumption current can be reduced to
1/23 by switching to the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1).
[0212] After transmitting the sleep 1 command, the MPU 60 sets the
MPU 60 itself to the power-saving mode.
[0213] The power-saving mode of the MPU 60 at this time is, for
example, a condition where the reception cycle of signals from the
MPU 50 is longer than that in the normal mode. Accordingly,
electric power consumed by the MPU 60 can be cut down.
[0214] Upon receiving the sleep 1 command, as described above, the
MPU 50 turns off the power of the angular velocity sensor unit 15,
sets the acceleration sensor unit 16 to transmit the interrupt
signal to the MPU 50 by detection of the movement of the input
apparatus 1, and thereafter sets the MPU 50 itself to the
power-saving mode.
[0215] The power-saving mode of the MPU 50 at this time is, for
example, a condition where the supply of electric power to circuits
required for output processing of the angular velocity sensor unit
15 is stopped or the sampling cycle of outputs of the acceleration
sensor unit 16 is lengthened. Accordingly, electric power consumed
by the MPU 50 can be cut down.
[0216] Therefore, by receiving the acceleration values (interrupt
signal) from the acceleration sensor unit 16 and receiving the
signals from the button 11 and the like when the input apparatus 1
is operated again, the MPU 50 can be restored from the sleep 1 mode
(Sleep 1) to the active mode (Active) based on the acceleration
values and the signals from the button 11 and the like. In other
words, when the input apparatus 1 is operated again, the MPU 50 can
turn on the switch 51 to supply the power to the angular velocity
sensor unit 15. At this time, the MPU 50 transmits the report event
(Report Event) to the MPU 60. By this report event (Report Event),
the MPU 50 can restore the MPU 60 in the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1) to
the active mode (Active).
[0217] The MPUs 50 and 60 of the input apparatus 1 are set to make
a stepwise transition to the power-saving mode. The MPU 50 includes
modes such as the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1), the sleep 2 mode (Sleep
2), and the power off mode (Power Off), and the MPU 60 includes the
sleep 1 (Sleep 1), the sleep 2 (Sleep 2), the off mode (Off), and
the like. For example, in the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2), the MPU 50
turns off the switch 51 and the switch 52 to stop driving of the
acceleration sensor unit 16 in addition to the angular velocity
sensor unit 15, and sets the MPU 50 itself to the power-saving
mode. The power-saving mode of the MPU 50 at this time is, for
example, a condition where the supply of electric power to circuits
required for output processing of the angular velocity sensor unit
15 and the acceleration sensor unit 16 is stopped. Accordingly, it
is possible to reduce power consumption of the angular velocity
sensor unit 15 to zero and also cut down power consumption of the
acceleration sensor unit 16 and the MPU 50, in the sleep 2 mode.
The power-saving mode of the MPU 60 at this time is, for example, a
condition where a standby current necessary to receive the report
event (Report Event) from the MPU 50 is flowing in the MPU 60.
[0218] When the MPUs 50 and 60 are in the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2),
the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the acceleration sensor
unit 16 are powered off. Therefore, even if the user operates the
input apparatus 1, no angular velocity and acceleration can be
detected. However, the input apparatus 1 includes the buttons 11,
12, and 13, and the MPU 50 can detect on/off signals of the buttons
11, 12, and 13 (detection means). Based on the on/off signals of
the button 11 and the like (when at least one button out of the
buttons 11, 12, and 13 is operated), the MPU 50 turns on the switch
51 and the switch 52 so that restoration can be made from the sleep
2 mode (Sleep 2) to the active mode (Active). At this time, the MPU
50 can transmit the report event (Report Event) to the MPU 60. By
this report event (Report Event), the MPU 50 can restore the MPU 60
in the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2) to the active mode (Active).
[0219] The input apparatus 1 can transmit the velocity values and
the on/off signals of the button 11 and the like to the control
apparatus 40 via radio communication using the transceiver 21, and
the control apparatus 40 can receive those on/off signals by the
transceiver 38. Further, (the MPU 35 of) the control apparatus 40
can calculate the coordinate values of the pointer (cursor) 2 on
the display screen based on the received velocity values V.sub.x
and V.sub.y. Therefore, the pointer (cursor) 2 can be displayed on
the display screen while an operational load on the input apparatus
1 is reduced.
[0220] The input apparatus 1 includes the MPU 50, the MPU 60, and
the DC-DC converter 26. The MPU 60 judges, based on setting
information on radio communication transmitted/received between the
input apparatus 1 and the control apparatus 40, whether the radio
communication is enabled or not, and when the communication has
been disabled for a predetermined time, outputs the power off
command (Power Off command) to the MPU 50. The MPU 50 receives the
power off command (Power Off command) and outputs a power supply
off command for turning off the DC-DC converter 26 to the shutdown
switch 48 of the DC-DC converter 26.
[0221] Thus, when the radio communication has been disabled for a
predetermined time, the shutdown switch 48 of the DC-DC converter
26 is turned off, thereby achieving power saving of the input
apparatus 1.
[0222] Moreover, an input operation of the user to the operation
input section (first input operation section) can be used for
restoration from the power off mode to the active mode. For
example, a part or all of the buttons 11 to 13 can be structured as
a mechanical switch (second input operation section) capable of
forcibly performing an ON-operation of the shutdown switch 48.
Consequently, even when the MPUs 50 and 60 are in the power off
condition, the input apparatus 1 can be restored to the active
mode. The input operation section may be a dedicated switch (second
input operation section) different from the buttons 11 to 13.
[0223] The MPU 60 transmits the sleep 1 command (Sleep 1 command)
to the MPU 50, and when the MPU 50 sets, for example, the MPU 50
itself to the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1), requests the MPU 50 to
acquire information on the set mode and confirms the operation mode
of the MPU 50 using the acquired mode information. Accordingly, the
MPU 60 can reliably judge that the MPU 50 has made a transition to
a predetermined operation mode, whereby more accurate operation
transition control can be made. It should be noted that the MPU 60
confirms the operation mode of the MPU 50 similarly in other
operation mode transitions.
[0224] It is also possible to adopt a structure in which, in a case
where each of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the
acceleration sensor unit 16 can make a transition to the
power-saving condition, when a predetermined time has elapsed since
the input apparatus became stationary, the MPU 50 brings a sensor
unit whose power consumption is lower into the power-saving
condition and cuts off the supply of power to the other sensor unit
based on power consumptions of the sensor units 15 and 16 in the
power-saving conditions, for example. Specifically, when the power
consumption of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 (first sensor)
in the power-saving condition is higher than that of the
acceleration sensor unit 16 (second sensor) in the power-saving
condition, the MPU 50 brings the acceleration sensor unit 16 into
the power-saving condition and cuts off the supply of power to the
angular velocity sensor unit 15 in the same manner as in the above
embodiments. In contrast, that is, when the power consumption of
the angular velocity sensor unit 15 (first sensor) in the
power-saving condition is lower than that of the acceleration
sensor unit 16 (second sensor) in the power-saving condition, the
MPU 50 brings the angular velocity sensor unit 15 into the
power-saving condition and cuts off the supply of power to the
acceleration sensor unit 16. In other words, settings can
arbitrarily be made according to types, specifications, and the
like of the sensors used.
[0225] Next, a specific example of operation mode transitions of
the input apparatus 1 will be shown.
[0226] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing Example 1 of operation mode
transitions of the input apparatus 1.
[0227] The MPU 60 of the input apparatus 1 is assumed to be set so
that a transition is made from the active mode (Active) to the
sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1) in 30 seconds after the input apparatus 1
has become stationary, a transition is made from the sleep 1 mode
(Sleep 1) to the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2) in one minute after having
become stationary, and a transition is made to the off mode (Off)
in five minutes after having become stationary.
Example 1
[0228] Example 1 shows a case where the input apparatus 1 is used
by the user as in (1) to (7) below: (1) the power of the input
apparatus 1 is turned on, (2) normal operation, (3) the stationary
condition of the input apparatus 1 continues for 45 seconds, (4)
normal operation, (5) the stationary condition continues for two
minutes, (6) normal operation, and (7) the stationary condition
continues for five minutes.
[0229] (1) The User Turns on the Power of the Input Apparatus
1.
[0230] As described above, the MPUs 50 and 60 make a transition to
the reset mode (POR) immediately after the power is turned on.
After that, immediately after completing initialization of its
hardware, the MPU 60 outputs the active command (Active command) to
the MPU 50 and makes a transition to the disconnect mode
(Disconnect). The MPU 50 shifts to the device initialization
processing, completes initialization, and makes a transition to the
initialization mode (Init).
[0231] (2) The User Operates the Input Apparatus 1 Normally.
[0232] The MPU 60 establishes a connection of radio communication
with the control apparatus 40 and makes a transition to the active
mode (Active). The MPU 50 receives the active command (Active
command) from the MPU 60 and makes a transition from the
initialization mode (Init) to the active mode (Active).
[0233] (3) The User Places the Input Apparatus 1 on, for Example, a
Desk and Maintains it in the Stationary Condition for 45
Seconds.
[0234] When 30 seconds have elapsed since having become stationary,
the MPU 60 makes a transition from the active mode (Active) to the
sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1). In other words, when a predetermined time
(for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since judging that the
velocity values V.sub.x and V.sub.y are both zero and the buttons
11, 12, 13, and the like are all in the off condition, the MPU 60
makes a transition to the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1) and also transmits
the sleep 1 command (Sleep 1 command) to the MPU 50. The MPU 60
sets the MPU 60 itself to the power-saving mode after transmitting
the sleep 1 command (Sleep 1 command).
[0235] Upon receiving the sleep 1 command (Sleep 1 command), the
MPU 50 makes a transition to the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1), turns off
the switch 51 to turn off the power of the angular velocity sensor
unit 15, sets the acceleration sensor unit 16 to transmit the
interrupt signal to the MPU 50 by detection of the movement of the
input apparatus 1, and thereafter sets the MPU 50 itself to the
power-saving mode.
[0236] (4) The User Operates the Input Apparatus 1 Normally by, for
Example, Lifting the Input Apparatus 1 Placed on the Desk.
[0237] The acceleration sensor unit 16 detects the movement of the
input apparatus 1 at this time and transmits a detection signal
being the motion event (Motion Event) to the MPU 50. Based on this
motion event, the MPU 50 is restored from the sleep 1 mode (Sleep
1) to the active mode (Active). At this time, the MPU 50 outputs
the report event (Report Event) to the MPU 60. By this report event
(Report Event), the MPU 50 restores the MPU 60 in the sleep 1 mode
(Sleep 1) to the active mode (Active).
[0238] (5) The User Places the Input Apparatus 1 on, for Example,
the Desk and Maintains it in the Stationary Condition for Two
Minutes.
[0239] At this time, the MPUs 50 and 60 make a transition to the
sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1) when 30 seconds have elapsed since having
become stationary as described above. In other words, the MPU 60
sets the MPU 60 itself to the power-saving mode. The MPU 50 makes a
transition to the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1), turns off the power of
the angular velocity sensor unit 15, sets the acceleration sensor
unit 16 to transmit the interrupt signal to the MPU 50 by detection
of the movement of the input apparatus 1, and thereafter sets the
MPU 50 itself to the power-saving mode.
[0240] When a condition where the user is not operating the input
apparatus 1 continues for one minute, the MPU 60 makes a transition
from the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1) to the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2). In
other words, the MPU 60 makes a transition to the sleep 2 mode
(Sleep 2) and also transmits the sleep 2 command (Sleep 2 command)
to the MPU 50. The MPU 60 sets the MPU 60 itself to the
power-saving mode after transmitting the sleep 2 command (Sleep 2
command).
[0241] Upon receiving the sleep 2 command (Sleep 2 command), the
MPU 50 makes a transition to the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2), turns off
the switch 52 to turn off the power of the acceleration sensor unit
16, and sets the MPU 50 itself to the power-saving mode.
[0242] Thus, the supply of power to the acceleration sensor unit 16
in addition to the angular velocity sensor unit 15 is turned
off.
[0243] (6) In the Sleep 2 Mode, the User Operates at Least One
Button Out of the Buttons 11, 12, and 13 of the Input Apparatus
1.
[0244] When at least one button out of the buttons 11, 12, and 13
is operated, the button event (Button Event) is input to the MPU
50. When the button event (Button event) is input, the MPU 50 is
restored from the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2) to the active mode
(Active). At this time, the MPU 50 transmits the report event
(Report Event) to the MPU 60. By this report event (Report Event),
the MPU 50 restores the MPU 60 in the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2) to the
active mode (Active).
[0245] (7) The User Places the Input Apparatus 1 on, for Example,
the Desk and Maintains it in the Stationary Condition for Five
Minutes.
[0246] As described above, when the stationary condition of the
input apparatus 1 has continued for 30 seconds since having become
stationary, both the MPUs 50 and 60 make a transition to the sleep
1 mode (Sleep 1), and when the stationary condition has continued
for one minute since having become stationary, both the MPUs 50 and
60 make a transition to the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2).
[0247] Then, when the stationary condition of the input apparatus 1
has continued for five minutes since having become stationary, the
MPU 60 makes a transition from the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2) to the
off mode (Off).
[0248] Upon making the transition to the off mode (Off), the MPU 60
transmits the power off command (Power Off command) to the MPU 50
to set it to the power off mode (Power OFF). After that, the MPU 60
enters the standby condition until the power supply to the entire
system is turned off.
[0249] Upon receiving the power off command (Power Off command),
the MPU 50 executes necessary processing including parameter
storage and the like, and thereafter sets the shutdown switch 48 of
the DC-DC converter 26 to low and cuts off the power supplied to
the entire input apparatus 1.
[0250] As described above, according to Example 1, the input
apparatus 1 can make the transition to the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1)
when 30 seconds have elapsed since having become stationary, make
the transition to the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2) when one minute has
elapsed since having become stationary, and turn off the power of
the entire input apparatus 1 when five minutes have elapsed since
having become stationary. In other words, by making the operation
mode transitions of the input apparatus 1 stepwise according to the
time elapsed since having become stationary, delicate power saving
can be realized. Specifically, by setting the time from after
becoming stationary to the transition from the active mode (Active)
to the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1) to as short as 30 seconds, the power
consumption of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 which requires a
high power consumption can be reduced to zero in a short time after
having become stationary. Further, the power of the entire input
apparatus 1 can be automatically turned off with certainty in five
minutes after having become stationary, thereby enabling power
saving.
[0251] Moreover, the input apparatus 1 can be restored using the
detection signals from the acceleration sensor unit 16 in the sleep
1 mode (Sleep 1), and restored based on the on/off signals from the
buttons 11, 12, and 13 in the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2). Therefore,
the user can restore the operation mode of the input apparatus 1 to
the active mode (Active) simply by swinging the input apparatus 1
or pressing the button 11 and the like.
[0252] Further, with such a structure that an ON-operation can be
made to the shutdown switch 48 (set to High) by an input operation
to the buttons 11 to 13 or other dedicated switches in the power
off mode, the input apparatus 1 can be forcibly restored to the
active mode.
[0253] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing Example 2 of operation mode
transitions of the input apparatus 1.
Example 2
[0254] Example 2 shows a case where the input apparatus 1 is used
as in (1) to (4) below: (1) the power of the input apparatus 1 is
turned on, (2) normal operation, (3) detachment of the reception
device (transceiver 38), and (4) the stationary condition continues
for five minutes. It should be noted that (1) and (2) are the same
as (1) and (2) of FIG. 19, so descriptions thereof will be
omitted.
[0255] In (2) of FIG. 20, both the MPU 50 and the MPU 60 make a
transition to the active mode (Active).
[0256] (3) When the input apparatus 1 is in the active mode
(Active), the user detaches the transceiver 38 from the control
apparatus 40.
[0257] The MPU 60 judges that the connection of radio communication
between the input apparatus 1 and the control apparatus 40 is
disabled and makes a transition to the disconnect mode
(Disconnect).
[0258] (4) The user places the input apparatus 1 on, for example,
the desk and maintains it in the stationary condition for five
minutes.
[0259] As described above, both the MPUs 50 and 60 make a
transition to the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1) when the stationary
condition of the input apparatus 1 has continued for 30 seconds
since having become stationary, and both the MPUs 50 and 60 make a
transition to the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2) when the stationary
condition has continued for one minute since having become
stationary.
[0260] After that, when the stationary condition of the input
apparatus 1 has continued for five minutes since having become
stationary, the connection with the control apparatus 40 is
disabled for five minutes, and the MPU 60 makes a transition from
the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2) to the off mode (Off).
[0261] Upon making the transition to the off mode (Off), the MPU 60
transmits the power off command (Power Off command) to the MPU 50.
After that, the MPU 60 enters the standby condition until the power
supply to the entire system is turned off.
[0262] Upon receiving the power off command (Power Off command),
the MPU 50 executes necessary processing including parameter
storage and the like, and thereafter sets the shutdown switch 48 of
the DC-DC converter 26 to low and cuts off the power supplied to
the entire input apparatus 1.
[0263] As described above, according to Example 2, it is possible
that, when the radio communication between the input apparatus 1
and the control apparatus 40 is disabled and the stationary
condition continues for, for example, five minutes thereafter, the
MPU 50 executes necessary processing including parameter storage
and the like, and thereafter sets the shutdown switch 48 of the
DC-DC converter 26 to low and cuts off the power supplied to the
entire input apparatus 1. Therefore, for example, when the
transceiver 38 is detached from the control apparatus 40, electric
power can be prevented from being wastefully consumed by the
angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the acceleration sensor unit
16.
[0264] Next, a description will be given on another embodiment. It
should be noted that in this and subsequent embodiments, structures
the same as those of the above embodiments are denoted by the same
reference symbols, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Points
different therefrom will mainly be described.
[0265] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a structure of an input
apparatus of another embodiment.
[0266] As shown in the figure, an input apparatus 1' differs from
the input apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 5 in that it does not include
the MPU 60 and the transceiver 21 is connected to a communication
line of the MPU 50.
[0267] The MPU 50 outputs, for example, the detection values
(a.sub.x, a.sub.y) and (.omega..sub.x, .omega..sub.y) shown in FIG.
14 and the on/off signals of the buttons 11, 12, and 13 using the
transceiver 21.
[0268] A control apparatus 40' of this embodiment receives signals
from the MPU 50 (transceiver 21) shown in FIG. 21 by the
transceiver 38 shown in FIG. 1. The control apparatus 40' includes
an MPU 35' as shown in FIG. 1, and the MPU 35' has a function of
the MPU 60 shown in FIG. 5. In other words, the MPU 35' judges a
usage condition of the input apparatus 1' based on the received
signals. That is to say, the MPU 35' judges, based on the detection
values (a.sub.x, a.sub.y) and (.omega..sub.x, .omega..sub.y) and
the signals from the buttons 11, 12, and 13 transmitted from the
MPU 50, whether the input apparatus 1' is in an operated condition
or an unoperated condition.
[0269] The MPU 35' outputs a result of the judgment to the
transceiver 21 (MPU 50) of the input apparatus 1' via the
transceiver 38. Based on the judgment result, the MPU 35' causes a
transition of the operation mode of the MPU 35' itself.
[0270] Based on the judgment result transmitted from the MPU 35'
(transceiver 38), the MPU 50 causes the MPU 50 to make a transition
to the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1), the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2), the
disconnect mode (Disconnect), the active mode (Active), or the
like.
[0271] As described above, according to this embodiment, the input
apparatus 1' shown in FIG. 21 detects the angular velocity values
and the acceleration values by the angular velocity sensor unit 15
and the acceleration sensor unit 16, respectively, but since the
MPU 60 is not included, no judgment is made on the operation
condition of the input apparatus 1' and to which operation mode a
transition is to be made. However, the MPU 35' of the control
apparatus 40' can have a judgment function of the MPU 60 shown in
FIG. 5 and transmit the judgment result to the input apparatus 1'.
Therefore, as in the above embodiments, the MPU 50 can cause the
angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the acceleration sensor unit 16
to make transitions to the power-saving modes such as the sleep 1
mode and the sleep 2 mode. In other words, as in the above
embodiments, the power saving of the input apparatus 1' shown in
FIG. 21 can be achieved, and the size, weight, and cost of the
input apparatus 1' can be reduced.
[0272] FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a structure of a cellular
phone as an electronic apparatus according to another
embodiment.
[0273] As shown in the figure, a cellar phone 200 includes a
multimedia processor 201, a communication processor 202, a memory
203, an input section 204, a transceiver 205 having a transmitting
function and a receiving function, an LCD display section 206, a
battery 207, a geomagnetic orientation sensor 208, a GPS sensor
209, an acceleration sensor 210, an angular velocity sensor (gyro
sensor) 211, and the like.
[0274] The multimedia processor 201 generates image data to be
displayed on the LCD display section 206 based on a control signal,
and performs operational processing on signals from the geomagnetic
orientation sensor 208, the GPS sensor 209, the acceleration sensor
210, and the angular velocity sensor 211.
[0275] When a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has
elapsed since the cellar phone 200 became stationary, the
multimedia processor 201 performs control so as to stop power
supply to sensors other than, for example, the acceleration sensor
210 out of the geomagnetic orientation sensor 208, the GPS sensor
209, the acceleration sensor 210, and the angular velocity sensor
(gyro sensor) 211 (Sleep 1). At this time, the multimedia processor
210 may set itself to the power-saving condition. The power-saving
condition of the multimedia processor 201 at this time is, for
example, a condition where supply of electric power to circuits
required for output processing of sensors other than the
acceleration sensor 210 is stopped. When the acceleration sensor
210 detects acceleration values or when an input signal from the
input section 204 is detected, the multimedia processor 201
transmits those signals to the communication processor 202, and the
communication processor 202 judges, based on those signals, whether
or not the cellar phone 200 is being operated, and transmits a
result of the judgment to the multimedia processor 201. Based on
the judgment result, the multimedia processor 201 resumes the
supply of power to the sensors, the supply of the power to which
has been stopped, so that restoration is made from the sleep 1 mode
(Sleep 1) to the active mode (Active).
[0276] When a predetermined time (for example, one minute) has
elapsed since having become stationary, the multimedia processor
201 performs control so as to stop the supply of power to the
geomagnetic orientation sensor 208, the GPS sensor 209, the
acceleration sensor 210, and the angular velocity sensor (gyro
sensor) 211 (Sleep 2). At this time, the multimedia processor 210
may set itself to the power-saving condition. The power-saving
condition of the multimedia processor 201 at this time is, for
example, a condition where supply of electric power to circuits
required for output processing of the geomagnetic orientation
sensor 208, the GPS sensor 209, the acceleration sensor 210, and
the angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor) 211 is stopped. When
detecting the input signal from the input section 204, the
multimedia processor 201 resumes the supply of power to the
sensors, the supply of power to which has been stopped, and
restores the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 1) to the active mode
(Active).
[0277] The communication processor 202 performs control so as to
reproduce transmission data by detecting, using a modem section
(not shown), a signal subjected to demodulation processing by the
transceiver 205, selectively extract only transmission data of a
channel to be received by the cellular phone 200 out of the
transmission data using a TDMA section (not shown), and supply the
extracted transmission data to a codec (not shown) for reproducing
call data. The transceiver 205 is constituted of a reception
section for demodulating a radio signal from an antenna, a
transmission section for modulating a transmission signal from the
communication processor, and the like.
[0278] The communication processor 202 makes a transition to the
sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1) according to a time elapsed since having
become stationary, and sets itself to the power-saving condition.
The power-saving condition of the communication processor 202 at
this time is, for example, a condition where the reception cycle of
signals from the multimedia processor 201 is longer than that in
the normal mode. Accordingly, electric power consumed by the
communication processor 202 can be cut down.
[0279] The communication processor 202 makes a transition to the
sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2) according to a time elapsed since having
become stationary, and sets itself to the power-saving condition.
The power-saving condition of the communication processor 202 at
this time is, for example, a condition where a standby current
necessary to receive a report event (Report Event) from the
multimedia processor 201 is flowing in the communication processor
202. Accordingly, the electric power consumed by the communication
processor 202 can be cut down.
[0280] When a predetermined time (for example, five minutes) has
elapsed since the cellular phone 200 became stationary, the
communication processor 202 makes a transition from the sleep 2
mode (Sleep 2) to the off mode (Off).
[0281] Upon making the transition to the off mode (Off), the
communication processor 202 transmits the power off command (Power
Off command) to the multimedia processor 201 to set the power off
mode (Power Off). After that, the communication processor 202
enters the standby condition until the power supply to the entire
system is turned off.
[0282] Upon receiving the power off command (Power Off command),
the multimedia processor 201 executes necessary processing
including parameter storage and the like, and thereafter sets a
shutdown switch of a DC-DC converter (not shown) to low and cuts
off the power supplied to the cellular phone 200. Further, because
a power switch is structured so that an ON-operation can be made by
an input operation to the input section 204 or other dedicated
input sections in the power off mode, the cellular phone 200 can
forcibly be restored to the active mode.
[0283] The LCD display section 206 displays still images, moving
images, and the like.
[0284] The battery 207 supplies electric power to the geomagnetic
orientation sensor 208, the GPS sensor 209, the acceleration sensor
210, the angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor) 211, the
communication processor 202, and the like.
[0285] The geomagnetic orientation sensor 208 includes, for
example, an MI (Magnet Impedance) sensor. The MI sensor obtains,
for example, an orientation by using a phenomenon in which, when a
GHz-band pulse current is passed through a zero-magnetostrictive
amorphous wire in which magnetic spins are arranged in a
circumferential direction, an impedance variation occurs in
proportion to an external magnetic field.
[0286] Similar to the input apparatus 1 of the first embodiment,
the cellular phone 200 is also equipped with sensors, and is also
required to reduce power consumption. Therefore, the application of
the technical idea of the present application is of very large
significance.
[0287] As described above, according to this embodiment, the
cellular phone 200 includes the multimedia processor 201 and the
communication processor 202 and can control the supply of power to
the geomagnetic orientation sensor 208, the GPS sensor 209, the
acceleration sensor 210, and the angular velocity sensor (gyro
sensor) 211 stepwise (Sleep 1, Sleep 2, Off) according to the time
elapsed since the cellular phone 200 has become stationary.
Therefore, power saving efficiency of the cellular phone 200 can be
improved.
[0288] It should be noted that in this embodiment, in the sleep 1
mode, the acceleration sensor 210 is used as a sensor for detecting
a trigger for restoration to the active mode. However, sensors
other than the acceleration sensor 210, such as the angular
velocity sensor (gyro sensor) 211 may be used for detecting the
trigger. Needless to say, it is most efficient from the standpoint
of reduction of power consumption to use a sensor whose consumption
current in the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1) is the smallest, for
detecting the trigger.
[0289] In other words, for example, when the geomagnetic
orientation sensor 208, the GPS sensor 209, the acceleration sensor
210, and the angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor) 211 can each be
brought into the power-saving condition, it is possible to bring,
out of the geomagnetic orientation sensor 208, the GPS sensor 209,
the acceleration sensor 210, and the angular velocity sensor (gyro
sensor) 211, a sensor whose power consumption in the power-saving
condition is the lowest into the power-saving condition, and stop
the supply of power to the sensors other than the sensor in the
power-saving condition.
[0290] Moreover, in the above example, the description has been
given with the cellular phone 200 equipped with three or more
sensors as an example, but in the case of a cellular phone equipped
with the geomagnetic orientation sensor 208 and the acceleration
sensor 210, for example, the acceleration sensor 210 may be used as
the sensor for detecting the trigger.
[0291] For example, in the cellular phone, the acceleration sensor
is used for counting the number of steps or calculating a movement
distance thereof on a map. The geomagnetic orientation sensor
realizes functions of detecting a direction when taking pictures
and automatically turning a map displayed on a screen so that a
traveling direction always points to the top of the screen. By
combining the two, his/her own position on the map can be
calculated and displayed.
[0292] An MI sensor, a Hall sensor, an MR sensor, an FG sensor, or
the like is used as the geomagnetic orientation sensor, and an
application of the MI sensor using an MI element is expanding in a
situation where size reduction, power saving, and higher precision
are required.
[0293] The MI sensor uses the phenomenon in which, when the
GHz-band pulse current is passed through the zero-magnetostrictive
amorphous wire in which magnetic spins are arranged in the
circumferential direction, an impedance variation occurs in
proportion to the external magnetic field. However, the pulse
current is always actively passed. A general consumption current is
2 mA to 3 mA at 3 V drive. It can be seen that it is 2 to 10 times
as high as that of the acceleration sensor.
[0294] When combining those sensors, a use of the acceleration
sensor as the trigger for restoration from the sleep 1 mode (Sleep
1) to the active mode (Active) exhibits an effect of keeping the
consumption current to about 1/2 to 1/10.
[0295] Further, in the case of a cellular phone equipped with an
optical sensor (such as CMOS) and an acceleration sensor, the
acceleration sensor may be used as the sensor for detecting the
trigger for restoration from the sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1).
[0296] For example, the optical sensor (such as a CMOS sensor) is
used for, for example, processing an image captured by the optical
sensor to estimate the user's behavior from the following (1) to
(3). (1) Whether the user is swinging the cellular phone, for
example (game application). (2) Whether someone is in front (game
application). (3) How a surrounding landscape is (specification of
a place by a combination thereof with map data)
[0297] The optical sensor (such as CMOS) is a sensor for capturing
an image and, at the same time, serves as an optical image sensor.
By using the function as the optical image sensor, it is possible
to judge that the cellular phone (such as a remote controller) is
held when an entire surface of the screen is moved in the same
direction, to wake up.
[0298] Incidentally, a general consumption current of the image
sensor is about 50 mA to 100 mA at 3 V drive. On the other hand, a
general consumption current of the acceleration sensor is about 0.2
mA to 1 mA at 3 V drive.
[0299] A comparison between them shows that the consumption current
of the acceleration sensor is about 1/50 to 1/500.
[0300] In the case of the combination of those sensors, the use of
the acceleration sensor as the trigger for restoration from the
sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1) produces the effect of keeping the
consumption current to about 1/50 to 1/500.
[0301] Further, also in the case of a cellular phone equipped with
a GPS sensor and an acceleration sensor, the acceleration sensor
may be used as the sensor for detecting the trigger.
[0302] Furthermore, in the case of a cellular phone equipped with
an optical sensor (such as a CMOS), an acceleration sensor, and a
gyro sensor, the acceleration sensor may be used as the sensor for
detecting the trigger. Because the cellular phone 200 is equipped
with the angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor) 211 as described
with reference to FIG. 22, a shake correction function of (a camera
of) the cellular phone 200 is incorporated.
[0303] In the case of this combination, by using the acceleration
sensor as the trigger for restoration from the sleep 1 mode (Sleep
1), the effect of keeping the consumption current to about 1/50 to
1/500 is produced.
[0304] Next, a description will be given on an embodiment of a
digital camera as an electronic apparatus.
[0305] FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a structure of the
digital camera according to this embodiment.
[0306] As shown in FIG. 23, a digital camera 300 includes an MPU
301A, an MPU 301B, a display control section 302, a CCD control
section 303, a signal processing section 304, an interface (I/F)
section 305, an LCD 306, a lens 307, a CCD 308, a memory 309, a
battery 310, a DC/DC power supply 312, an angular velocity sensor
(gyro sensor) 313, a shake correction control section 314, a lens
driving actuator 315, an infrared sensor 317, a focus control
section 318, a lens driving actuator 319, and an input section
320.
[0307] The MPU 301A judges, based on detection signals from the
infrared sensor 317, the angular velocity sensor 313, and the input
section 320, whether or not the digital camera 300 is being
operated. The MPU 301A transmits a result of the judgment to the
MPU 301B. Based on the received judgment result, the MPU 301B
controls supply of power to the infrared sensor 317 and the angular
velocity sensor 313. In other words, based on the received judgment
result, the MPU 301B causes the MPU 301A and the MPU 301B to make
transitions from the active mode (Active) to the sleep 1 mode
(Sleep 1), the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2), and the off mode (Off).
[0308] For example, when judging that a predetermined time (for
example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the digital camera 300 has
been brought into the stationary condition, the MPU 301A transmits
the sleep 1 command to the MPU 301B and sets itself to the
power-saving condition. The power-saving condition of the MPU 301A
at this time is, for example, a condition where the reception cycle
of signals from the MPU 301B is longer than that in the normal
mode. Accordingly, electric power consumed by the MPU 301A can be
cut down. The MPU 301B receives the sleep 1 command, turns off the
power of the infrared sensor 317, sets the angular velocity sensor
(gyro sensor) 313 to the power-saving mode, and sets itself to the
power-saving condition. The power-saving condition of the MPU 301B
at this time is, for example, a condition where supply of electric
power to circuits required for output processing of sensors other
than the angular velocity sensor 313 is stopped. Accordingly,
electric power consumed by the MPU 301B can be reduced.
[0309] For example, when judging that a predetermined time (for
example, one minute) has elapsed since the digital camera 300 has
been brought into the stationary condition, the MPU 301A transmits
the sleep 2 command to the MPU 301B and sets itself to the
power-saving condition. The power-saving condition of the MPU 301A
at this time is, for example, a condition where a standby current
necessary to receive a report event (Report Event) from the MPU
301A is flowing in the MPU 301B. Accordingly, the electric power
consumed by the MPU 301B can be cut down. The MPU 301B receives the
sleep 2 command, turns off the power of the angular velocity sensor
(gyro sensor) 313 in addition to the infrared sensor 317, and sets
itself to the power-saving condition. The power-saving condition of
the MPU 301B at this time is, for example, a condition where supply
of electric power to circuits required for output processing of the
infrared sensor 317 and the angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor)
313 is stopped. Accordingly, the electric power consumed by the MPU
301B can be cut down.
[0310] For example, when judging that a predetermined time (for
example, five minutes) has elapsed since the digital camera 300 has
been brought into the stationary condition, the MPU 301A causes the
MPU 301A to make a transition to the off mode (Off), and transmits
the power off command to the MPU 301B. The MPU 301B receives this
power off command, transmits a power supply off command for setting
a shutdown switch (not shown) of the DC/DC power supply 312 to low
to the shutdown switch, and turns off the power supplied to the
entire system of the digital camera 300.
[0311] In the sleep 1 mode, the MPU 301A loads detection signals
detected by the angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor) 313 and the
input section 320 at predetermined time intervals, and judges,
based on the loaded detection signals, whether or not the digital
camera 300 is being operated. The MPU 301A transmits a result of
the judgment to the MPU 301B. Based on the received judgment
result, the MPU 301B causes the angular velocity sensor (gyro
sensor) 313 and the infrared sensor 317 to make a transition to the
active mode (Active), or causes the MPU 301A to make a transition
to the off mode (Off).
[0312] In the sleep 2 mode, the MPU 301A loads detection signals
detected by the input section 320 such as a button at predetermined
time intervals, and judges, based on the loaded detection signals,
whether or not the digital camera 300 is being operated. The MPU
301A transmits a result of the judgment to the MPU 301B. Based on
the received judgment result, the MPU 301B causes the angular
velocity sensor (gyro sensor) 313 and the infrared sensor 317 to
make a transition to the active mode (Active) or causes the MPU
301A to make a transition to the off mode (Off).
[0313] Based on a control signal from the MPU 301A, the display
control section 302 outputs a signal for displaying an image on the
LCD 306.
[0314] The CCD control section 303 outputs signals for controlling
processing timings of the CCD 308 and an AD converter (not shown)
for converting an analog signal from the CCD 308 into a digital
signal, to the CCD 308 and the AD converter.
[0315] The signal processing section 304 performs image processing
based on the output signal from the CCD 308 converted into the
digital signal by the AD converter (not shown).
[0316] The interface section 305 performs an input/output of data
among a USB flash memory, an SD card, and the like.
[0317] The LCD 306 displays an image captured by the CCD 308 and
the like.
[0318] The lens 307 focuses light on the CCD 308.
[0319] The CCD 308 converts a light signal from a subject into an
electric signal.
[0320] The DC/DC power supply 312 is connected to the battery 310
and supplies electric power to each of the sections.
[0321] Here, the angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor) 313 has the
same structure as the angular velocity sensor unit 15 described
above. The shake correction control section 314 outputs a signal
for controlling the lens driving actuator 315 based on a signal
from the angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor) 313, and drives the
lens driving actuator 315 to perform shake correction.
[0322] The infrared sensor 317 irradiates the subject with infrared
rays for focusing. The focus control section 318 drives the lens
driving actuator 319 to perform focus control.
[0323] With such a structure, when judging that one minute, for
example, has elapsed since the digital camera 300 became
stationary, the MPU 301A can cause the MPU 301A to make a
transition to the sleep 1 mode and transmit the sleep 1 command to
the MPU 301B. The MPU 301B can receive this sleep 1 command, stop
the supply of power to the infrared sensor 317, and bring the
angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor) 313 into the power-saving
mode. Therefore, it is possible to cut down power consumption while
dividing processing between the two MPUs 301A and 301B.
[0324] When an acceleration acts on the digital camera 300 in the
sleep 1 mode, a movement thereof is detected by the angular
velocity sensor (gyro sensor) 313, thereby enabling an immediate
restoration to the active mode.
[0325] When judging that two minutes, for example, have elapsed
since the digital camera 300 became stationary, the MPU 301A can
cause the MPU 301A to make a transition to the sleep 2 mode and
transmit the sleep 2 command to the MPU 301B. The MPU 301B can
receive this sleep 2 command and stop the supply of power to the
infrared sensor 317 and the angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor)
313. Therefore, power consumption can be cut down more effectively
according to the time elapsed.
[0326] When the input section 320 of the digital camera 300 is
operated in the sleep 2 mode, a restoration to the active mode can
be made by detecting a detection signal from the input section 320
by the MPU 301B.
[0327] When judging that five minutes, for example, have elapsed
since the digital camera 300 became stationary, the MPU 301A can
cause the MPU 301A to make a transition to the off mode and
transmit the power off command to the MPU 301B. The MPU 301B can
receive this power off command and stop the supply of power to the
entire system of the digital camera 300. Therefore, when there is a
high possibility that the digital camera 300 has been left without
being turned off, it is possible to turn off the power and thereby
cut down power consumption more effectively. Moreover, with such a
structure that an ON-operation can be made to the DC/DC power
supply 312 by an input operation to the input section 320 or other
dedicated input sections in the power off mode, the digital camera
300 can be forcibly restored to the active mode.
[0328] It should be noted that when the power consumption of the
infrared sensor 317 is smaller out of the angular velocity sensor
(gyro sensor) 313 and the infrared sensor 317, the supply of power
to the angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor) 313 only needs to be
stopped.
[0329] Moreover, the example in which the MPU 301B receives the
sleep 1 command, turns off the power of the infrared sensor 317,
and sets the angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor) 313 to the
power-saving mode has been shown. However, without being limited
thereto, it is also possible that, when the infrared sensor 317 and
the angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor) 313 can each be brought
into the power-saving condition, for example, out of the infrared
sensor 317 and the angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor) 313, a
sensor whose power consumption in the power-saving condition is
lower is brought into the power-saving condition, and the supply of
power to the sensor other than the sensor in the power-saving
condition is stopped.
[0330] Next, another embodiment of the input apparatus will be
described.
[0331] FIG. 24 is a perspective diagram showing an input apparatus
251. FIG. 25 is a side view of the input apparatus 251 seen from a
scroll dial button 13' side. In descriptions below, descriptions on
members, functions, and the like of the input apparatus 251 similar
to those of the input apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2 and the like will
be simplified or omitted, and points different therefrom will
mainly be described.
[0332] A casing 250 of the input apparatus 251 includes a partial
sphere or partial quadric surface 50a at a predetermined position
on a surface of the casing 250. Hereinafter, the partial sphere or
partial quadric surface (50a) will be referred to as "lower curved
surface" (50a) for convenience.
[0333] The lower curved surface 50a is provided at a position
almost opposite to the buttons 11 and 12, that is, a position
where, when the user holds the input apparatus 251, a pinky is
located closer to the lower curved surface 50a than other fingers,
for example. Alternatively, in a case where, in the casing 250
elongated in one direction (Z'-axis direction), the sensor unit 17
is provided on a positive side of the Z' axis with respect to a
longitudinal center of the casing 250 in the Z'-axis direction, the
lower curved surface 50a is provided on a negative side of the Z'
axis.
[0334] Typically, the partial sphere is substantially a hemisphere,
but does not necessarily have to be a hemisphere. The quadric
surface is a curved surface obtained by expanding a two-dimensional
conic curve (quadric curve) into a 3-dimensional conic curve.
Examples of the quadric surface include an ellipsoid surface, an
ellipsoid paraboloid surface, and a hyperbolic surface.
[0335] With the configuration of the casing 250 of the input
apparatus 251 as described above, the user can easily operate the
input apparatus 251 while causing the lower curved surface 50a of
the input apparatus 251 as a fulcrum to abut on a table, a chair, a
floor, or a knee or thigh of a user (hereinafter referred to as
abutment target object 49). That is, even in the condition where
the lower curved surface 50a of the input apparatus 251 abuts on
the abutment target object 49, the user can easily incline the
input apparatus 251 in diverse angles, thereby enabling delicate
operations such as placing a pointer on an icon. FIG. 26 is a
diagram showing a state where the user operates the input apparatus
251 while causing the lower curved surface 50a to abut on the
knee.
[0336] Alternatively, in this embodiment, erroneous operations due
to a hand movement, which cannot be suppressed by a shake
correction circuit, can be prevented from occurring, and the user
is free from fatigue that is caused when the user operates the
input apparatus 251 while holding it in the air.
[0337] FIG. 27 is a perspective diagram showing an input apparatus
according to still another embodiment.
[0338] A casing 260 of an input apparatus 261 includes, similar to
the input apparatus 251 shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, a lower curved
surface 60a constituted of a partial sphere. A plane which is
perpendicular to a maximum length direction (Z'-axis direction) of
the casing 260 of the input apparatus 261 and is in contact with
the lower curved surface 60a (hereinafter, referred to as lower end
plane 55 for convenience) is substantially parallel to a plane
formed by the X' axis and the Y' axis (see FIG. 4) as detection
axes of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 (X'-Y' plane).
[0339] With the structure of the input apparatus 261 as described
above, in a case where an operation is made by the user while
causing the lower curved surface 60a to abut on the lower end plane
55, angular velocities applied to the input apparatus 261 are input
to the angular velocity sensor unit 15 as they are. Thus, an amount
of calculation required to obtain detection values from the
detection signals from the angular velocity sensor unit 15 can be
reduced.
[0340] FIG. 28 is a plan view showing an input apparatus according
to yet another embodiment. FIG. 29 is a side view showing the input
apparatus.
[0341] A lower curved surface 70a of a casing 70 of an input
apparatus 71 is, for example, a partial sphere. The lower curved
surface 70a has a larger curvature radius than the lower curved
surfaces 50a and 60a of the input apparatuses 251 and 261 shown in
FIGS. 24 and 27. The angular velocity sensor unit 15 is provided at
a position at which a straight line contained in the X'-Y' plane
formed by the X' axis and the Y' axis as the detection axes of the
angular velocity sensor unit 15 corresponds to a tangent line of a
virtually-drawn circle 56 that passes the partial sphere when seen
from the X'- and Y'-axis directions. As long as the conditions as
described above are satisfied, the angular velocity sensor unit 15
may be provided in the casing 70 such that the X'-Y' plane of the
angular velocity sensor unit 15 is tilted with respect to a
longitudinal direction of the input apparatus 71 (see FIG. 28).
[0342] Accordingly, because a direction of the vector of the
angular velocity generated when the user operates the input
apparatus 71 while causing the lower curved surface 70a thereof to
abut on the abutment target object 49 and the detection direction
of the angular velocity sensor unit 15 match, a linear input is
thus enabled.
[0343] FIG. 30 is a plan view showing an input apparatus according
to still another embodiment.
[0344] A sphere as a lower curved surface 80a of a casing 80 of an
input apparatus 81 has a curvature radius the same as or close to
that shown in FIG. 24, for example. Regarding the angular velocity
sensor unit 15, a virtual straight line 57 that passes an
intersection of the X' axis and the Y' axis, which is a center
point of the angular velocity sensor unit 15, and is orthogonal to
the X' axis and the Y' axis passes a center point O of a first
sphere 62 including the lower curved surface 80a. With the
structure as described above, the first sphere 62 including the
lower curved surface 80a and a second sphere 63 in which the
straight line 57 contained in the X'-Y' plane of the angular
velocity sensor unit 15 becomes a tangent line are arranged
concentrically. Therefore, the input apparatus 81 bears the same
effect as the input apparatus 71 shown in FIG. 28.
[0345] The input apparatus 251, 261, 71, or 81 including the
partial sphere or the partial quadric surface described above does
not necessarily need to be operated by the user while the lower
curved surface 50a, 60a, 70a, or 80a thereof is abutted against the
abutment target object 49, and may of course be operated in
air.
[0346] Various modifications can be made to the embodiments
described above.
[0347] The above embodiment is applied to the digital camera 300
has been described while taking the digital camera 300 equipped
with the gyro sensor 313 and the infrared sensor 317 as an example,
but the embodiment is applicable not only to the digital camera but
also to various electronic apparatuses including a portable
terminal apparatus such as a PDA.
[0348] In the case of a digital camera equipped with, for example,
a gyro sensor and an image pickup image sensor, the gyro sensor may
be used as the sensor for detecting the trigger.
[0349] The gyro sensor is used for shake correction. The image
pickup image sensor is used for taking images and, as described in
the case of the cellular phone, can also be used as a wake-up
sensor.
[0350] Incidentally, a general consumption current of the image
pickup image sensor is about 50 mA to 100 mA at 3 V drive. On the
other hand, a general consumption current of the gyro sensor is
about 6 mA to 12 mA at 3 V drive.
[0351] A comparison between them shows that the consumption current
of the gyro sensor is about 1/4 to 1/17.
[0352] When combining those sensors, the use of the gyro sensor as
the trigger for restoration from the sleep 1 mode or the like
produces the effect of keeping the consumption current to about 1/4
to 1/17.
[0353] Further, after a transition to the sleep 2 mode, the power
consumption of the image pickup image sensor can be reduced to
zero.
[0354] Furthermore, the embodiment are applicable not only to the
digital camera but also to an electronic apparatus including an
image pickup system.
[0355] In addition, the embodiments are also applicable to, for
example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation system
equipped with a GPS sensor and an acceleration sensor and an
input/output apparatus used therefor. In this case, for example,
the acceleration sensor only needs to be used as the sensor for
detecting the trigger. Moreover, in the case of a GPS navigation
system equipped with a GPS sensor and a gyro sensor and an
input/output apparatus used therefor, the gyro sensor may be used
as the sensor for detecting the trigger.
[0356] Moreover, the embodiments are also applicable to, for
example, a game machine equipped with an acceleration sensor and a
gyro sensor and an input/output apparatus used therefor. In this
case, for example, the acceleration sensor only needs to be used as
the sensor for detecting the trigger. Further, in the case of a
game machine equipped with an acceleration sensor and an optical
sensor (such as a CMOS) and an input/output apparatus used
therefor, for example, the acceleration sensor may be used as the
sensor for detecting the trigger.
[0357] Furthermore, the embodiments are also applicable to, for
example, a traffic control system equipped with an infrared sensor
and an ultrasonic sensor (such as a microwave Doppler transceiver
apparatus) and an input/output apparatus used therefor. In this
case, for example, the infrared sensor may be used as the sensor
for detecting the trigger.
[0358] Further, the embodiments are also applicable to, for
example, an autonomous travel system for an automobile equipped
with a rotary encoder and a GPS sensor and an input/output
apparatus used therefor. In this case, for example, the rotary
encoder only needs to be used as the sensor for detecting the
trigger. In addition, in the case of an autonomous travel system
for an automobile equipped with a CMOS sensor and a rotary encoder
and an input/output apparatus used therefor, for example, the
rotary encoder only needs to be used as the sensor for detecting
the trigger.
[0359] Moreover, the embodiments are also applicable to, for
example, a safety system for an automobile equipped with an alcohol
detection sensor and a body heat detection temperature sensor and
an input/output apparatus used therefor. In this case, for example,
the body heat detection temperature sensor only needs to be used as
the sensor for detecting the trigger.
[0360] Moreover, the embodiments are also applicable to, for
example, a PC equipped with a gyro sensor and a touch pad (touch
panel) and an input/output apparatus used therefor. In this case,
for example, the gyro sensor only needs to be used as the sensor
for detecting the trigger. Further, in the case of a PC equipped
with an acceleration sensor and an optical sensor and an
input/output apparatus used therefor, for example, the acceleration
sensor only needs to be used as the sensor for detecting the
trigger.
[0361] Furthermore, in the embodiment, in an electronic apparatus
equipped with a plurality of sensors such as a gyro sensor, an
acceleration sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an atmospheric pressure
sensor, a temperature sensor, an infrared sensor, a pressure
sensor, and an optical sensor, one sensor may be used for detecting
the trigger as in the above embodiments, but it is of course also
possible to use two or more sensors as the sensor for detecting the
trigger, to perform detection of the trigger with higher
precision.
[0362] In the above embodiments, the example in which the MPU 60
judges, based on the velocity values (V.sub.x, V.sub.y) and the
on/off signals from the button 11 and the like acquired from the
MPU 50, whether or not the input apparatus 1 is being operated has
been shown. However, without being limited thereto, it is also
possible that the MPU 50 transmits the angular velocity signals
(.omega..sub.x, .omega..sub.y) from the angular velocity sensor
unit 15, the acceleration signals (a.sub.x, a.sub.y) from the
acceleration sensor unit 16, and the on/off signals from the button
11 and the like to the MPU 60, and the MPU 60 judges, based on the
angular velocity signals (.omega..sub.x, .omega..sub.y), the
acceleration signals (a.sub.x, a.sub.y), and the on/off signals
from the button 11 and the like, for example, whether or not the
input apparatus 1 is being operated. In this case, judgment
processing can be shortened.
[0363] In the above embodiments, the example in which the MPU 50
calculates the velocity values (V.sub.x, V.sub.y) based on the
detection signals (angular velocity signals (.omega..sub.x,
.omega..sub.y) and acceleration signals (a.sub.x, a.sub.y)) of the
angular velocity sensor unit 15 and the acceleration sensor unit
16, the MPU 50 transmits the velocity values (V.sub.x, V.sub.y) to
the MPU 60 together with the input signals from the button 11 and
the like, and the MPU 60 outputs the velocity values and the
signals from the button 11 and the like transmitted from the MPU 50
to the control apparatus 40 by radio using the transceiver 21 has
been shown. However, without being limited thereto, for example, it
is also possible that the MPU 50 calculates the coordinate values X
and Y of the pointer based on the velocity values (V.sub.x,
V.sub.y), the MPU 50 transmits the coordinate values X and Y to the
MPU 60, and the MPU 60 transmits the coordinate values X and Y to
the control apparatus 40 side by radio using the transceiver
21.
[0364] In the above embodiments, the example in which the MPU 50
outputs the detection values (a.sub.x, a.sub.y) and (.omega..sub.x,
.omega..sub.y) and the on/off signals from the buttons 11, 12, and
13 to the control apparatus 40' by the transceiver 21, and the MPU
35' of the control apparatus 40' judges, based on the detection
values (a.sub.x, a.sub.y) and (.omega..sub.x, .omega..sub.y) and
the signals from the buttons 11, 12, and 13 that have been input
from the MPU 50, whether the input apparatus 1' is in an operated
condition or an unoperated condition has been shown. However,
without being limited thereto, for example, it is also possible
that the MPU 35' of the control apparatus 40' obtains the velocity
values based on the detection values (a.sub.x, a.sub.y) and
(.omega..sub.x, .omega..sub.y) input from the MPU 50, and judges,
based on the velocity values and the signals from the button 11 and
the like, whether or not the input apparatus 1' is being
operated.
[0365] In the above embodiments, the example in which the input
apparatus 1 makes transitions to the active mode (Active), the
sleep 1 mode (Sleep 1), the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2), and the
disconnect mode (Disconnect) according to the operation conditions
of the input apparatus 1 has been shown. At this time, such a
structure that the user can visually determine an operation mode
that the input apparatus 1 is in is also possible.
[0366] FIG. 31 is a perspective diagram of an input apparatus
including a light-emitting section that emits light of different
colors according to operation modes.
[0367] As shown in the figure, an input apparatus 400 includes, for
example, a light-transmitting section 401 in its casing 410. The
light-transmitting section 401 may be, for example, an opening
formed in the casing 410, or a resin material having translucency
may be disposed at the opening formed in the casing 410. The
light-transmitting section 401 is formed between, for example, the
button 11 and the button 13. A plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting
Diodes) 402, 403, and 404 that emit light of different colors are
mounted on the circuit board 25. Based on a result of the judgment
of the operation mode received from the MPU 60, the MPU 50 performs
switching among power supply switches (not shown) for the LEDs 402,
403, and 404. When the input apparatus 400 is, for example, in the
active mode (Active), the power supply switch for the LED 402 is
turned on so that the LED 402 that emits green light emits light,
and the power supply switches for the LEDs 403 and 404 are turned
off. When the input apparatus 400 is, for example, in the sleep 1
mode (Sleep 1), the power supply switch for the LED 403 is turned
on so that the LED 403 that emits yellow light emits light, and the
power supply switches for the LED 402 and the LED 404 are turned
off. When the input apparatus 400 is, for example, in the sleep 2
mode (Sleep 2), the power supply switch for the LED 404 is turned
on so that the LED 404 that emits red light emits light, and the
power supply switches for the LED 402 and the LED 403 are turned
off.
[0368] The structure as described above can cause the
light-transmitting section 401 to emit green light when the input
apparatus 400 is in the active mode (Active), cause the
light-transmitting section 401 to emit yellow light in the sleep 1
mode (Sleep 1), and cause the light-transmitting section 401 to
emit red light in the sleep 2 mode (Sleep 2). Therefore, the user
can visually and easily determine which operation mode the input
apparatus 400 is in.
[0369] It should be noted that the place where the
light-transmitting section 401 is disposed, the number thereof, and
the like are not particularly limited as long as the user who is
using the input apparatus 400 can see the light-transmitting
section.
[0370] In the above embodiments, the user is notified of the
operation mode by differentiating the emission color of the
light-transmitting section 401 according to the operation mode.
However, without being limited thereto, for example, it is also
possible that the input apparatus includes one LED, and the MPU 50
controls the light-transmitting section 401 so that light is
emitted in emission patterns that vary depending on the operation
modes (for example, at a temporally different emission timing of
the LED). In this case, the number of LEDs can be reduced, so while
reducing cost and size of the input apparatus, the operation mode
of the input apparatus can be visually determined.
[0371] FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing an electrical structure
of another input apparatus.
[0372] A sensor unit 517 includes an angular velocity sensor unit
(gyro sensor unit) 515 for detecting angular velocities about two
orthogonal axes. The sensor unit 517 further includes an
acceleration sensor unit 516 for detecting accelerations along two
axes at mutually different angles, that is, along two orthogonal
axes (X axis and Y axis), for example.
[0373] An MPU 519 (movement value generation means, execution
means, and judgment means) includes built-in volatile and
nonvolatile memories requisite therefor as shown in FIG. 32. The
MPU 519 is input with detection signals from the sensor unit 517,
operation signals from an operation section, and the like, and in
response to those input signals, performs various kinds of
operational processing and the like to generate control signals
such as a trigger signal to be described later.
[0374] The MPU 519 performs control so as to set, out of the
angular velocity sensor unit 515 and the acceleration sensor unit
516, the acceleration sensor unit 516 whose power consumption is
smaller in the power-saving mode to the power-saving mode, and
restrict supply of power to the angular velocity sensor unit 515.
The MPU 519 performs control to detect the trigger for restoration
from the power-saving mode to the normal mode by using the
acceleration sensor unit 516 set to the power-saving mode in the
power-saving mode. Based on the trigger, the MPU 519 performs
control to restore itself from the power-saving mode to the normal
mode.
[0375] A crystal oscillator 520 generates clocks and supplies them
to the MPU 519. As batteries, dry cell batteries, rechargeable
batteries, or the like are used.
[0376] A transceiver 521 transmits the control signals (input
information) generated by the MPU 519 as RF radio signals to a
control apparatus 540 via an antenna 522.
[0377] After power supply voltage is stabilized via a DC-DC
converter 526, the power is supplied to the sensor unit 517 and the
MPU 519 in the normal mode, and in the power-saving mode, the
supply of power to the angular velocity sensor unit 515 is stopped
by a FET (not shown), and the power is supplied to the acceleration
sensor unit 516 in the power-saving mode.
[0378] Next, a switching operation between modes (power-saving
mode, normal mode) performed by the input apparatus 501 will be
described.
[0379] FIG. 33 is a flowchart of the switching operation between
modes (power-saving mode, normal mode) performed by the input
apparatus 501.
[0380] As shown in FIG. 33, first, a switch (power) (not shown) is
turned on (ST301), and reference zero voltages recorded in the
built-in volatile memory of the MPU 519 are read as reference
values (ST302). Because there are individual differences in output
voltage values for the acceleration sensor and the gyro sensor at
an acceleration 0 or an angular velocity 0, the reference zero
voltage calibrated in a factory production adjustment process is
used as a reference.
[0381] Then, with the configuration as the acceleration sensor,
acceleration signals are acquired from the acceleration sensor unit
516 as shown in Step 101a of FIG. 11, and acceleration values are
calculated (ST303).
[0382] Subsequently, after a predetermined number of clocks, as in
Step 303, acceleration signals are acquired from the acceleration
sensor unit 516, and acceleration values are calculated
(ST304).
[0383] Then, it is judged whether or not change amounts between the
acceleration values obtained in Step 303 and the acceleration
values obtained in Step 304 are larger than predetermined values
(ST305). Values close to zero are set as the predetermined
values.
[0384] When the change amounts between the acceleration values are
larger than the predetermined values in Step 305, it is judged that
the input apparatus 501 is moving, and a counter value is set to 0
(ST306). Here, the configuration is used as the angular velocity
sensor.
[0385] Subsequently, angular velocity signals from the angular
velocity sensor unit 515 are detected, and angular velocity values
are calculated (acquired) (ST307).
[0386] It is judged whether or not the number of times the angular
velocity values are calculated (acquired) is once (ST308), and in
the case of once, by a comparison with the reference values
acquired in Step 302, change amounts of the angular velocity values
are calculated (ST309).
[0387] When the number of times the angular velocity values are
calculated (acquired) is not once, by comparing the angular
velocity values obtained last time and the currently-obtained
angular velocity values, change amounts of the angular velocity
values are calculated (ST310).
[0388] Then, using the change amounts of the angular velocity
values obtained in Step 309 or Step 310, the acceleration values
obtained in Step 304 are corrected and integrated to obtain the
velocity values as in the above embodiment (Steps 103 to 116 of
FIG. 11), which are then output to the control apparatus 40
(ST311). It should be noted that a transmission interrupt is caused
by switching a MOSION signal between high and low before and after
Step 311.
[0389] On the other hand, when the change amounts of the
acceleration values are equal to or smaller than the predetermined
values in Step 305, the counter value is incremented by 1
(ST312).
[0390] Then, it is judged whether or not the counter value is
larger than a predetermined value (for example, 1000) (ST313). This
predetermined value is a value for determining the time required
for a shift from the normal mode to the power-saving mode and can
be set arbitrarily.
[0391] When the counter value is equal to or smaller than the
predetermined value in Step 313, the process returns to Step
303.
[0392] When the counter value is larger than the predetermined
value in Step 313, the input apparatus 501 is judged as being in a
still condition, and thus the supply of power to the angular
velocity sensor unit 515 is stopped, and the acceleration sensor
unit 516 is brought into the power-saving mode (power-saving mode)
(ST314). That is, in the power-saving mode, a standby current
smaller than that in the normal mode is flowing in the MPU 519 and
the acceleration sensor unit 516 in order to detect the trigger for
restoration to the normal mode.
[0393] Then, the acceleration signals from the acceleration sensor
unit 516 are detected (ST315).
[0394] Next, it is judged whether acceleration values obtained from
the acceleration signals are larger than predetermined values
(ST316).
[0395] When the acceleration values are equal to or smaller than
the predetermined values, the input apparatus 501 is judged as
being in the still condition, and thus the process returns to Step
315, and the acceleration detection is continued.
[0396] When the acceleration values are larger than the
predetermined values, the input apparatus 501 is judged as being in
a moving condition, and thus the supply of power to the angular
velocity sensor unit 515 is resumed (ST317), the acceleration
sensor unit 516 and the like are restored to the normal mode, and
the process returns to Step 303.
[0397] As described above, the supply of power to the angular
velocity sensor unit 515 is stopped while the input apparatus 501
is not operated (put on a table, put on a sofa, and the like) (in
the power-saving mode), so power consumption in the power-saving
mode can be reduced. Further, at this time, a current smaller than
that in the normal mode is passed through the acceleration sensor
unit 516 whose power consumption is low even in the power-saving
mode, the acceleration signals are detected by the acceleration
sensor unit 516 when an acceleration acts on the input apparatus
501 (ST315), and when the obtained acceleration values are larger
than the predetermined values (ST316), using this as the trigger, a
restoration to the normal mode is performed (ST317), whereby the
electric power consumed can be effectively reduced, and also, for
example, when held in the user's hand and used again, an immediate
shift to the normal mode can be performed. Therefore, it is
possible to effectively reduce electric power consumed by the input
apparatus 501, thereby extending battery life.
[0398] Specifically, the acceleration sensor unit 516 is a passive
type sensor whose consumption current is about 0.2 mA to 1 mA at 3
V drive. On the other hand, the angular velocity sensor unit 515
includes a mechanically-vibrated vibrator (not shown) and needs to
constantly vibrate the vibrator to generate Coriolis force. To use
the angular velocity sensor as a trigger for restoration from the
power-saving mode, the driving circuit needs to be kept operated.
The consumption current of the angular velocity sensor driven at 3
V is about 6 mA to 12 mA, which is larger than that of the
acceleration sensor unit 516. In other words, by switching to the
power-saving mode, the consumption current can be reduced to about
1/30 to 1/12 compared to the normal mode. Moreover, when the power
supply voltage is 3.3 V, the consumption current of the
acceleration sensor unit 516 is 0.3 mA, and the consumption current
of the angular velocity sensor unit 515 is 7 mA, the consumption
current can be reduced to 1/23 by making a switch to the
power-saving mode.
[0399] It should be noted that the example in which, when the input
apparatus 501 is in the still condition, the supply of power to the
angular velocity sensor unit 515 is stopped and the acceleration
sensor unit 516 is brought into the power-saving mode (power-saving
mode) (ST314) has been shown. However, without being limited
thereto, for example, it is also possible that when both the
angular velocity sensor unit 515 and the acceleration sensor unit
516 can be brought into the power-saving condition, out of the
angular velocity sensor unit 515 and the acceleration sensor unit
516, a sensor whose power consumption in the power-saving condition
is lower is brought into the power-saving condition, and the supply
of power to the sensor other than the sensor in the power-saving
condition is stopped.
[0400] Moreover, in the power-saving mode, the MPU 519 sets itself
to the power-saving mode. The power-saving mode at this time is,
for example, a condition where the supply of electric power to
circuits required for output processing of the angular velocity
sensor unit 515 is stopped. Accordingly, electric power consumed by
the MPU 519 can be cut down.
[0401] Hereinafter, a specific description will be given on an
operation with a particular emphasis on the sensors of the cellular
phone 200, on the basis of a flowchart shown in FIG. 34.
[0402] First, as in the above embodiments, the acceleration values
of the cellular phone 200 are calculated (ST401).
[0403] Next, by comparing acceleration values obtained last time in
Step 401 and the acceleration values currently obtained in Step
401, it is judged whether or not change amounts are smaller than
predetermined values (ST402). It should be noted that initial
values of the acceleration values are set to 0 in a correction
condition where a gravity acceleration 1 G is excluded (the same
holds true for descriptions below).
[0404] When the change amounts are not smaller than the
predetermined values, an orientation is calculated by the
geomagnetic orientation sensor 208 (ST403).
[0405] Then, by comparing an orientation obtained last time in Step
403 and the orientation currently obtained in Step 403, it is
judged whether or not a change amount is smaller than a
predetermined value (ST404).
[0406] When the change amount is not smaller than the predetermined
value, coordinates of the cellular phone 200 are calculated by the
GPS sensor 209 (ST405).
[0407] Next, by comparing coordinates obtained last time in Step
405 and the coordinates currently obtained in Step 405, it is
judged whether or not change amounts are smaller than predetermined
values (ST406).
[0408] When the change amounts are not smaller than the
predetermined values, the cellular phone 200 is judged as being
moved, the counter value is set to zero (ST407), and the process
returns to Step 401.
[0409] When the change amounts are smaller than the predetermined
values in Steps 402, 404, and 406, the cellular phone 200 is judged
to be in the still condition, and the counter value is incremented
by 1 (ST408).
[0410] Then, it is judged whether or not the counter value is
larger than a predetermined value (for example, 1000) (ST409).
[0411] When the counter value is equal to or smaller than the
predetermined value in Step 409, the process returns to Step
401.
[0412] When the counter value is larger than the predetermined
value in Step 409, the cellular phone 200 is judged to be in the
still condition, a sensor whose power consumption in the
power-saving mode is the lowest out of the geomagnetic orientation
sensor 208, the GPS sensor 209, the acceleration sensor 210, and
the angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor) 211, such as the
acceleration sensor 210, for example, is set to the power-saving
mode, and the supply of power to the other sensors is stopped
(ST410). In the power-saving mode, a standby current smaller than
that in the normal mode is flowing in the multimedia processor 201,
the communication processor 202, and the sensor whose power
consumption in the power-saving mode is the lowest like the
acceleration sensor 210, for example, for restoration to the normal
mode.
[0413] Then, signals from the sensor whose power consumption in the
power-saving mode is the lowest like the acceleration sensor 210,
for example, are detected (ST411).
[0414] After that, it is judged whether or not the detected signal
values are larger than predetermined values (ST412).
[0415] When the signal values are smaller than the predetermined
values, the cellular phone 200 is judged to be in the still
condition, the process returns to Step 410, and the detection of
the signals is continued.
[0416] When the signal values are larger than the predetermined
values, the cellular phone 200 is judged, for example, to be in a
condition applied with an acceleration, the supply of power to
sensors other than the sensor whose power consumption in the
power-saving mode is the lowest like the acceleration sensor 210,
for example, is resumed (ST413), a current in the normal mode is
passed through the acceleration sensor 210, and restoration is made
to the normal mode.
[0417] As described above, when setting the power-saving mode,
control is performed such that out of the geomagnetic orientation
sensor 208, the GPS sensor 209, the acceleration sensor 210, and
the angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor) 211, the sensor whose
power consumption in the power-saving mode is the lowest like the
acceleration sensor 210, for example, is set to the power-saving
mode, and the supply of power to the other sensors is stopped
(ST410).
[0418] With the structure as described above, in the power-saving
mode, electronic power is not consumed in sensors other than the
sensor whose power consumption is the lowest like the acceleration
sensor 210, for example, the power is supplied to the sensor whose
power consumption in the power-saving mode is the lowest, signals
of accelerations acting on the cellular phone 200 are detected by
the sensor whose power consumption is the lowest like the
acceleration sensor 210 (ST411), for example, and when the obtained
signal values are larger than the predetermined values (ST412),
with this as a trigger, a restoration to the normal mode is
performed (ST413), whereby electric power consumed can be
suppressed.
[0419] The communication processor 202 makes a transition to the
power-saving mode according to the time elapsed since having become
stationary and sets itself to the power-saving condition. The
power-saving condition of the communication processor 202 at this
time is, for example, a condition where the reception cycle of
signals from the multimedia processor 201 is longer than that in
the normal mode. Accordingly, electric power consumed by the
communication processor 202 can be cut down.
[0420] The communication processor 202 makes a transition to the
power-saving mode according to the time elapsed since having become
stationary and sets itself to the power-saving condition. The
power-saving condition of the communication processor 202 at this
time is, for example, a condition where a standby current necessary
to receive the report event (Report Event) from the multimedia
processor 201 is flowing in the communication processor 202.
Accordingly, the electric power consumed by the communication
processor 202 can be cut down.
[0421] It should be understood that various changes and
modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described
herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes
and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended
advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and
modifications be covered by the appended claims.
* * * * *